Our Military & Veterans

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Written by Rita Smith

Tampa Elks Lodge #708 used its $2,500 Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant to offer community support for two programs at the James A. Haley VAMC. One project is the creation of a lactation room for new mothers, and the other project is the annual Make a Difference Day, which provides gifts and comfort items to veterans being housed in licensed private homes. Usually this event is run like an angel tree, but with the VA being on COVID lockdown, they requested financial assistance only at this time. Pictured at the check presentation April 14 are Angela Reinhardt, program support; Tammy Tennace, Women’s Maternity Care coordinator; Brian Brantley, PER; Diane Meleen, Elks Deputy VAVS Representative; and Janeth Lopez, Voluntary Service specialist.

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Written by Kim Debois

Holiday Isles Elks Lodge members Nick Babich, left, and Ron De Luca, right, have overseen collections and delivery of donations for veterans since September 2020. They continuously gather and deliver donations from the lodge wishing well to the Bay Pines VA. These donations are items specifically requested by the Bay Pines Veterans Outreach program. Currently needed are items for its male veterans, so during March and April, Babich and De Luca have gathered and delivered clothing items such as sweat pants and gym shorts valued at $850.

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Written by Bob Barry, PDD

Kissimmee Elks Lodge #1873 used its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to provide welcome home gifts to veterans experiencing homelessness and who have been approved for subsidized housing by the VA. Approval was obtained after interviews and examination of their fiscal and physical ability to maintain a residence. They will be given startup items to furnish their new homes. The grant plus generous donations from lodge members provided goods such as dishes, coffee pots, bedding, microwaves and bath towels. The items were delivered to the Lake Nona VA April 7.

Pictured are lodge members Janice Kirsch, Lorraine Barker, Judy Schmidt, Laurie Fabick, Exalted Ruler Theresa Hebior, Jeannie Platt, Cindy Lee, Marianne Tithof, Steve Hebior and James Platt. In the front are Karen Roper and Joe Waskelis.

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Written by Frank Kuczkowski, PER

On April 16, Port Orange Elks Lodge #2723 presented a check for $554.42 to the Emory Bennett Veterans Nursing Home in Daytona, Florida, to support activities for the home’s residents. In addition to the check, the lodge provides monthly birthday cakes, ice cream and sodas as well as an annual cookout for residents and staff. The lodge also provides technology to support programs needed for the residents. Funds are provided by a Gratitude Grant from the Elks National Foundation. Pictured are Frank Tamberelli, PSP; Dee Glover, Emory Bennett State Veterans Nursing Home representative; and Frank Kuczkowski, PER. Not pictured is Jerry Peterson, Exalted Ruler and Veterans Services District Chair.

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Written by May Graci

St. Petersburg Elks Lodge member Penny Rase donated a Bianchi Grizzly mountain bike valued at $700 for an Army veteran at Bay Pines VAMC. On April 7, Johnny Miller, lodge member and Grand Lodge VAVS Representative to C.W. Bill Young VAMC, presented it to the veteran who was in need of a bicycle for transportation purposes. St. Petersburg has many streets with lanes that specifically accommodate bicyclists.

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Written by Dick Bardsley, PDD

Ron Goluba, PER, Elks representative to Orlando VA Medical Center, welcomed Deanna Fisher and her family to Winter Park Elks Lodge’s dinner and dance April 2. With her was Captain, a 7-month-old English Lab who is in training to be a mental and mobility service dog for a veteran. Fisher is a volunteer with K9s for Veterans, whose mission is to help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder transition to civilian life once their military service has ended with the help of trained service dogs. Fisher’s family members are members of the lodge and she applied to be a member during the visit. Pictured are Fisher and Captain at the lodge.