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Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
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Our Military & Veterans
Zephyrhills Elks Deliver 50 Blankets to Veterans at Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home
- Details
- Written by Ken Fabiani, PER
On June 5, the veterans committee of Zephyrhills Lodge delivered 50 lap blankets to veterans staying at Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home. The lap blankets were made by the Happy Hookers from the Scotland Yard community.
Veterans Enjoy Dinner at Tampa Elks Lodge
- Details
- Written by Rita Smith, PER
On May 16, the Tampa Elks Lodge Veterans Committee hosted 14 veterans from temporary housing at the Salvation Army and their driver, Daniel Smith, for dinner. Shelagh Gombarcik, PER cooked bacon cheeseburgers for them, and they enjoyed mozzarella sticks, fries and macadamia nut cookies. Committee members Evelyn Hemingway and Rita Smith, PER were their servers. The meal was paid for with funds raised by the committee through events and member donations.
Pictured are five veterans along with Salvation Army supervisor Daniel Smith, top right, and Rita Smith, PER, standing.
New Port Richey Elks Recognize New Port Richey Armed Forces Recruitment Center
- Details
- Written by Carol Lee Spages
In honor of Armed Forces Day, May 18, New Port Richey Elks Lodge #2284 donated a large tray of cookies and a thank you poster to the staff of the New Port Richey Armed Forces Recruitment Center.
Pictured are Petty Officer First Class Tony Martin, Navy; Gunnery Sgt. Lesesne, Marine Corps; Elizabeth Groves, Inner Guard, Lodge Americanism Chair and Air Force veteran; SSgt. Lisa Sparks, Air Force; and SSgt. Brandon Duffus, Army.
Viera Elks Lodge Serve Breakfast to Members of Brevard County Veterans Coalition
- Details
- Written by Viera Elks
On May 5, Viera Elks Lodge #2817 served breakfast to 68 members of the Brevard County Veterans Coalition. The coalition is a volunteer entity comprised of members from all branches of the military who work to advance and educate veterans about VA claims, assistance with housing, medical appointments and more. They coordinate efforts and serve as the conduit for communication among local veterans. The meal was prepared and served by lodge officers and members. Funds for the meal came from the lodge’s charity account.
Pictured are Dawn Mailloux; Diane Blackmore; Nancy Miller, PDD; Ed Stark; Mary Stark; Kathi Wade; Kasha Harrell; and Wendy Carns, PER, District Vice President.
Naples Elks Lodge Hosts Veterans from Warrior Homes of Collier County
- Details
- Written by Holly Balante
On April 27, Naples Lodge invited veterans from the Alpha House at Warrior Homes of Collier County to enjoy lunch at the lodge. Along with the $1,000 ENVSC Freedom Grant, the lodge voted to add $2,300 to purchase $100 gift cards for each of the 33 veterans to shop for personal items. Members also collected $800 worth of nonperishable food to help the veterans. Greg Tinsley, counselor with Peer to Peer, educated the members with stories of Warrior Homes helping veterans with housing, mental health resources and educational opportunities, including scholarships.
Pictured in the front row are Michael Clark and Bob Evans, veterans, and Holly Ludwig, Exalted Ruler and Army veteran. Pictured in the back row are George Salzano and Greg Tinsley, veterans, and Brian Kamp, Lodge grant coordinator.
Naples Elks Lodge Member Participates in the Charity Roll 5K for Veterans
- Details
- Written by Holly Balante
On April 27, Naples Elks Lodge member Fabio Tagliasacchi participated in the Charity Roll 5K using his wheelchair and raised $1,004 for Naples Lodge to donate to Warrior Homes of Collier, which supports veterans and their families in the areas of housing, mental health and education.
Pictured with Tagliasacchi is Holly Ludwig, Exalted Ruler and an Army veteran.
Crestview Elks Lodge Donates Military Sign to Crestview Manor
- Details
- Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER
On April 16, Crestview Elks Lodge #2624 donated a military sign to Crestview Manor, an assisted-living facility in Crestview to honor the veterans who have selflessly served the nation. It states, “As long as there are veterans, the Elks will never forget them.”
Darwin Leatherman, PDD presents the sign.
St. Petersburg Elks Participate in Bay Pines Veteran Stand Down
- Details
- Written by Virginia Warfield
On April 6, St. Petersburg Elks Lodge #1224 was one of more than 70 exhibitors with services and giveaways at the Bay Pines annual Veteran Stand Down for those who are homeless or at risk. Using funds from an Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant, the lodge purchased and distributed more than 200 pairs of new shoes, belts and socks. Volunteers also gave out backpacks and a substantial amount of men's and women's clothing and shoes donated by members. The veterans who attended the event were extremely grateful for everything.
Pictured are volunteers Gene Berry, VAVS Deputy Representative; Ruth Green; Heidi Green, PER; John Gillis, VAVS Deputy Representative; and lodge members Jan and Linda Musgrave.
Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Present Quilt of Valor
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
On March 23, the Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge Veterans Committee awarded Sean Brown a quilt from Quilts of Valor for his continued service of uniting veterans touched by war with highly skilled service dogs bred and trained at Southeastern Guide Dogs.
Pictured are Sean Brown; Tom Sweeney, Veterans Chair; and Sean's service dog, Nick.
Jacksonville Elks Deliver Tenth Welcome Home Kit to Veteran
- Details
- Written by Karen Tracy
On Feb. 19, Jacksonville Lodge delivered its 10th Welcome Home Kit to U.S. Navy veteran ‘Tez.’ Having spent most of his time with the Navy on ships, life events after he left the service found him seeking assistance with the Five Star Veterans Center. His hard work with their program guided him to transitioning into his own apartment and enrolling in college, where he is studying environmental science. Along with needed household items, the lodge provided a bed frame, end table and sectional couch from donations from members, as well as some short-term food needs.
Pictured are John Pipkins, trustee; veteran Tez; and David Graham, Exalted Ruler.
Port Orange Elks Donate and Deliver Supplies to Emory Bennett Veterans Nursing Home
- Details
- Written by Frank Kuczkowski
On March 22, Port Orange Elks Lodge #2723 used $2,500 from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to purchase supplies for the Emory Bennett Veterans Nursing Home in Daytona Beach. Items included personal hygiene products, electric razors and game cards.
Pictured are Frank Kuczkowski, PER; Tiffiany Conner, Emory Bennett activity director; Dan Theodore, PER; Frank Tamberelli, PSP, Lodge Advisor; and Gerald Peterson, PER, Veterans Chair.
Sanford Elks Share Day of Fishing, Lunch and Bingo with Local Veterans
- Details
- Written by Cristin Rumler
On March 24, Sanford Lodge hosted veterans from the Lake Baldwin VA domiciliary for lunch, games and fishing using the Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant. The veterans enjoyed fishing at Lake Monroe and then went to the lodge for an authentic lunch of arroz con pigeon peas with steak, plantains and potato salad. After lunch, they enjoyed a game of bingo.
Pictured are a veteran fishing and veterans playing bingo. Also pictured are Donald Soderblom, Veteran Services Chair; Rosa Mentlick, member; and Rosario Valldejuli, cook for the day and grandmother and mother of members Rosa and Lynette Mentlick.