Our Military & Veterans

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Written by Earline Neeley

Perry Elks Lodge #1851 used the Elks National Foundation $1,000 Spark Freedom Grant to buy a new set of clothes and shoes for 14 veteran residents at a local nursing home Sept. 11. Additional funding of $25 was deposited in each veteran’s trust account for their personal use for items not included in their day-to-day care. They also held a social for the veterans, which included a brief presentation of the flags along with a military-themed cake donated by Kim Stephens from Perry First Assembly of God, ice cream, snacks and punch. The veterans enjoyed their special occasion, which was put on by lodge officers.

Pictured are veterans and members attending the social.

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Written by Pauline Talbott

During a visit from State President Joe Cooper Sept. 9, Sebastian Elks Lodge #2714 presented a Fresh Start kit to be given to new residents at the Veterans Transition Facility in Melbourne, Florida. These kits are being made using funds from the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant and members’ donations. Each kit contains the basic necessities upon arrival, including a twin sheet set, blanket or comforter, pillow, personal hygiene items, bath towels and washcloths, all provided in a duffle bag. The facility is a temporary shelter for veterans and their immediate family members experiencing homelessness. There are 10 apartments housing two veterans or one family per apartment. The facility’s purpose is to provide temporary housing while they search for work, and once employed, to save enough money to acquire more permanent housing and transportation. 

Pictured are Mary Ducharme, Ladies Treasurer; Dan Talbott, Exalted Ruler; Mirissa Napolitano, Veterans Transitional Facility director; State President Joe Cooper; and Michael Schodlbauer, PDD, Lodge Veterans Chair.

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Written by Becky Wills

On Sept. 26, led by member Kasha Harrell, Viera Elks Lodge #2817 and some of its Antlers youth volunteers partnered with Cocoa Elks Lodge to prepare 150 lunches for the Honor Flight orientation and for the Coalition of Veterans Organization. Honor Flight takes veterans to Washington, D.C., to view their monuments. The coalition is a group of individuals and member organizations whose purpose is to advocate and educate veterans and the public on issues that impact veterans and their families.

Pictured are Kasha Harrell; Antlers Bella Wessel and Janey Vargas; William Orblych, PDD; and Antlers Jake Vargas, Kody Wessel and Evan Enrique. Also pictured are Daniel Mogob, Cocoa Lodge Exalted Ruler; Wendy Carns, District Vice President; and William Orblych, PDD, Viera Lodge Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Tracy Carroll, PER

On Aug. 11, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 hosted representatives from K9s for Warriors to visit with members and explain how the organization provides support for veterans. They train and provide service dogs for veterans with PTSD and other challenges. The lodge donated $2,500 to them as well, which was funded through the lodge's Past Exalted Rulers bingo and the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant. 

Pictured are Ed Weston, PER, PER chair; Lynn Elrod, Exalted Ruler; Penny Kunze, lodge member and K9s volunteer; Stephanie Vogt, K9s community relations manager; Rick Kunze, PER, lodge member and K9s volunteer; Carol Thorsen-Hood, K9s puppy raiser, with Nash; and Susan Aews, K9s puppy raiser, with Rocky.

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Written by Jupiter Elks

On Aug. 25, Jupiter Elks Lodge #2469 member Ken Barr delivered a care package to a veteran who recently transitioned from homelessness into an apartment. The package consisted of new sheets, towels, dishes, pots and pans, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, and a new wheelchair. The care package was purchased using funds from the Elks National Veterans Service Commission Focus Grant.

Pictured are the son of Navy veteran Helen Cobb, Navy veteran Helen Cobb, and lodge member Ken Barr. Also pictured are items from the care package.

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Written by Miami Elks

Using the full amount of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission $10,000 Focus Grant, Miami Elks Lodge #948 purchased baby supplies for 40 women veterans, either currently pregnant or who have had a baby within the past year. On Sept. 7, lodge members took 10 women to a Target store. On Sept. 14, they took another 30 women. Lodge volunteers Sharon Miller Weiss, Jody Impellizzeri, Pauly DeBeche, Maribel and Miguel Rodriguez, Mary Ellen Gomez, and Ashley Rodriguez helped make this happen, along with Andrea Miller of the Miami VA Healthcare System.