Our Military & Veterans

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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

On Dec. 19, Pensacola Elks Lodge #497 utilized its Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant of $3,000 and added monies from the lodge charity account for a total of $4,689 to provide more than 100 gifts to the veterans and their spouses residing in four assisted living facilities — The Blake at Pensacola, The Waterford at Carpenter’s Creek, Bayside Health & Rehabilitation Center, and The Camellia at Gulf Breeze. This partnership and lodge commitment with these facilities will continue throughout the year, including monthly visits to have coffee and doughnuts with the veterans. The lodge is also working with the facility directors for specific needs.

Pictured are Clyde Losey; Charline Wetzel Blake, activity director; Col. Pam McGinty, USAF ret.; Michael Smith; Libby Mayhugh; Amy Loranger; Stanley Tarter; Ken “KB” Branch, PER; Jack Countryman; Shelli Branch; Les Darbyshire; Betty Hooper; Billy Bush; Will Berry; Sgt. Smith, U.S. Army; Capt. A.J., USMC; Kim Taylor; and Carey Seigle. Also pictured are Virginia Tew, 101, who worked at the Pentagon in World War II, and Ken “KB” Branch, PER, and Libby Mayhugh and Col. Pam McGinty, USAF ret.

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Written by Margaret Schnichels

For Veterans Day, Eustis Elks Lodge #1578 invited all veterans from the Fort McCoy Veterans Village and lodge veterans to a free dinner; approximately 55 attended. The dinner was funded by the lodge charity account.

Pictured are three World War II veterans, Leon “Spike” Spychalski, Jake Conn, and Ray Savior, with Ron Locke, PDD, Exalted Ruler (second from left).

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Written by Clewiston Elks

Clewiston Elks Lodge #1853 hosted a veterans appreciation ceremony and dinner Nov. 17. The Clewiston High School Public Service Academy, pictured, presented the flag at the ceremony and recalled the history and significance of every turn and fold for the audience. Veteran Frank Sellers, PDD, Elks Representative to the VA, gave a compelling speech and gifts were given to the veterans. 

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Written by Aripeka Elks

On Nov. 23, Aripeka Elks Lodge #2520 cooked and delivered 20 turkeys with mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing to Moon Lake Mission, an organization that provides many services for those experiencing homelessness or for those with low incomes in the Moon Lake area. Lodge members donated the food.

Pictured are Charlie Smith, trustee; Chuck Anderson, Leading Knight; Sharon Anderson, Inner Guard; and Lucille Joy, Lecturing Knight. 

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Written by Aripeka Elks

On Nov. 11 at the Veterans Day ceremony, Aripeka Elks Lodge #2520 provided a pork roast dinner to 70 veterans and their spouses. This dinner was presented by Vietnam veteran and lodge member, John Gudavich, PDD, and was funded by the Veterans Committee.

Gudavich is pictured on the right.

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Written by Peggie Sue Dygert

On Oct. 19, Deep Creek Elks Lodge #2763 invited veterans from Douglas Jacobson VA Nursing Home to have lunch and play bingo at the lodge. The lodge does this monthly for veterans and uses the charity account to pay for the lunches. On this occasion, Anna Wojalik visited the lodge. She served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. She turned 101 Sept. 29. Lodge members enjoyed hearing her stories.

Pictured are Anna Wojalik and Peggie Sue Dygert, Leading Knight and Lodge Veterans Chair. Behind them is a veteran whose name was unavailable.