Our Military & Veterans

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Written by Ronna Mason, PER

Sebring Lodge held its annual Christmas luncheon Nov. 15 for 25 veterans who are residents at three local nursing homes —The Pines, Sunny Hills and The Palms. Santa Claus (Patrick Sullivan who is not a member) presented each guest with a gift and card purchased by the lodge. After the meal, each veteran who chose to was given the chance to speak about his or her participation in the service. Pictured are Santa giving a gift to a veteran and another veteran speaking about his time in the service.

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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

Warrington Lodge members volunteered to prepare hamburgers and hot dogs and to stuff goody bags for veterans in attendance at the Veterans Stand Down held Oct. 22 in the west Pensacola-Brownsville area of northwest Florida. The lodge used its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to purchase the food as well as the snacks and personal hygiene kits for the bags. The event served more than 300 veterans. This is an annual event and the whole community comes together to ensure its success.

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Written by Zephyrhills Elks

On Sept. 29, more than $4,000 from Zephyrhills Lodge’s Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and Florida State Elks Association matching funds were donated to the following sections of James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida — Women's Veterans, Caregiver Support, Oncology and Veteran Centers. Pictured are Paul Nutting, PER, Exalted Ruler; Shirley Crawford, Inner Guard; Judy Osgood, Lodge Elks National Foundation Fundraising Chair; Michael Evans, Director of Tampa Veterans Centers; Angela Reinhardt, administrative assistant; and Ken Fabiani, PER, Lodge Veterans Chair.

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Written by Zephyrhills Elks

At the end of September, Zephyrhills Lodge used $1,415.55 from its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and $1,415.55 from the Florida State Elks Association matching funds to purchase items for the Domiciliary at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida, including five Samsung Chrome laptops, four 4 Black and Decker irons, 50 collapsible laundry bags and 50 $10 Walmart gift cards. Also, because the veterans own bicycles rather than vehicles for transportation, they were given 10 automatic-opening umbrellas, 10 ponchos and 10 bicycle locks. Pictured are Roy Leonard, RN; Shorley Crawford, Inner Guard; Paul Nutting, PER, Exalted Ruler; Ryan Nitzsche, recreation therapy; Judy Osgood, Lodge Elks National Foundation Fundraising Chair; Ken Fabiani, PER, Lodge Veterans Chair; and Mark Ruiz, M.D.

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Written by Lakeland Elks

On Nov. 12, Lakeland Lodge held a fundraiser that turned out to be the lodge’s most successful fundraiser for veterans, raising $22,117. There were 130 meals served of barbecue ribs, sides and dessert. Along with the meals, funds were also raised with raffle baskets, auction items, and member and corporate donations. This fundraiser makes it possible for the lodge to continue their work as Elks to assist and support veterans, doing such things as inviting veterans and support staff to monthly dinners, like they did Dec. 8 for the first time since the pandemic; donating items and sending cards to patients James. A. Haley Veterans Hospital; and more.

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Written by Lakeland Elks

On Oct. 24, Lakeland Lodge provided meal from Mission BBQ to a few patients at James A. Haley Veterans. Hospital. While this seems like a small token, the recreational therapy leader, Kathryn Bryant, thanked them, saying, “…thanks again for sponsoring our ‘in’ house Polytrauma (PREP) patients with a special treat to Mission BB-que. They are not able to have visitors or passes at this time, and to be treated in such a manner links them not only to the community, Elks and your mission, but fills their souls with warmth and cheer.” The veterans sent a thank-you card with messages thanking them for their generosity, for remembering them and for giving them an option other than hospital food.