Our Military & Veterans

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Written by Brandon Elks

Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 adopted Liberty Manor as their official adopt-a-vet program four years ago under the guidance of PER George R. Scribner, trustee. Liberty Manor is a nonprofit organization founded by Connie Lindsay to fill the much-needed void in housing and caring for homeless veterans.

Through the years, the housed homeless veterans of Liberty Manor have been honored guests of Brandon Lodge’s monthly Wednesday veterans’ dinners as well as picnics and other special events. In addition, the lodge also assists homeless veterans with monetary donations. At the lodge dinner Jan. 23, Liberty Manor was handed a $1,000 donation to assist them in caring for the veterans. This donation was made possible by the Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant.

Presenting Brandon Lodge’s Freedom Grant at the Jan. 23 Brandon Lodge veterans dinner to Connie Lindsay, founder and CEO of Liberty Manor, and her husband, David, are George Scribner, 2017-2018 District Vice President and State Veterans Chairman, and Bob Booker, Lodge Veterans Chairman.

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Written by Christine daCosta

In conjunction with the Dolphin Research Center (DRC), Marathon Elks Lodge #2139 prepared and fed over 50 veterans and staff from the Wounded Warriors project and DRC. The DRC provided their grounds for the day's events where the veterans participated in teambuilding exercises as well as fun with the dolphins. The lodge used its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to purchase the supplies and food for the luncheons they host about six times a year.

Pictured are Wounded Warriors veterans and staff, DRC staff and Marathon Elks after the day’s events at the Dolphin Research Center.

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Written by Diane Ellison

Zephyrhills Elks Lodge #2731 donated a 65’’ television for the residents’ activity room at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital domiciliary. Coffee was provided as well. These gifts were purchased using funds from lodge 50/50 raffles and generous members. Pictured at the presentation are Roy Leonard, RN, nurse manager; Judy Osgood, Elks National Foundation chairman; Alexandria Novognodsky, clinical coordinator; and Ken Fabiani, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Irene Chandler

New Port Richey Elks Lodge #2284 participated in the Wreaths Across America program Dec. 15. In coordination with American Legion Post #79, lodge officers participated in a program honoring all branches of the military, and members placed Christmas wreaths on the graves of over 600 veterans at Pine Hill and Meadowlawn cemeteries.

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Written by May Graci

On Dec. 23, St. Petersburg Lodge volunteers shared Christmas joy with Heaven on Earth for Veterans (HOEV), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in March 2013 which provides quality living, low-cost, safe living spaces for veterans in need. One of the founders is Esquire, retired Army Colonel Carol Barkalow. Volunteers put together 27 veterans’ essentials kits for HOEV residents. Donations were collected from family, friends and lodge members to average $15 per veteran. Essentials collected were shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, razors, deodorant and snacks. Publix donated reusable shopping bags. HOEV board member Ian O’Connell picked up the kits from the lodge and was thrilled to also pick up Christmas food boxes for HOEV’s eight veteran homes. The $20 Publix gift cards which were included in the Christmas food baskets were immediately used for meat purchases so the veterans would receive their complete Christmas dinner.

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Written by Mary Kay Burns

Arcadia Elks Lodge #1524 partnered with Operation Outdoor Freedom (OOF), a program under the Forestry Department, to provide a special dinner at their recent hunt at the Peace River site. This opportunity was funded by an Elks National Foundation grant. OOF provides recreational opportunities to wounded veterans. Areas of Florida state forests dedicated to this effort are fully equipped to accommodate the needs of wounded veterans, providing a unique opportunity for recreation and rehabilitation. This is the second time the lodge has partnered with OOF; last year, the grant provided not only a great evening and meal but a beautiful table and chairs for their gathering place. Arcadia Lodge is also planning another event for 2019.

Pictured at the Arcadia Lodge and Operation Outdoor Freedom event are Mike Porter of OOF, Mary Kay Burns, Ken Katter of OOF, PSP Brian Burns, Nancy Higginbotham and Rodney Morgan.