Our Military & Veterans

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Written by Cristin Rumler

Sanford Elks Lodge #1241 hosted its third annual Swing 4 Veterans golf tournament Oct. 11 at Mayfair Country Club in Sanford. With 110 players, 40 hole sponsors and seven corporate sponsors, the tournament raised more than $13,300 to help support the lodge’s many veterans projects. Following the tournament, the lodge hosted all attendees for lunch, a silent auction and giveaways.

Pictured are players ready to go in golf carts. Also pictured are Jeff Rumler, PDD, Lodge Secretary, and Donald Soderblom, Lodge Veterans Chair and Elks VAVS Representative for Orlando VA Medical Center.

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Written by Deborah Reedy, PER

Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 held a veterans resource fair Oct. 18 using its Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant. Eight organizations — Florida Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1046, Five Star Veterans Center, Disabled America Veterans, UF Health, City of Jacksonville Military Affairs and Veterans Department, VFW Chapter 1689, and Jacksonville National Cemetery — were present with information and resources available to veterans. Speakers gave overviews of what they can offer to veterans. After lunch, attendees could visit with the agency representatives. More than 30 veterans attended and received information on VA benefits, UF Health’s brain health program, and services offered by the COJ Military Affairs and Veterans Department. Everyone received a goody bag with personal and hygiene items. Leftover bags were sent to Five Star Veterans Center to distribute to the veterans in residence there. The lodge held a 50/50 with half going to an attendee and half going to an organization.

Amanda Mills with Five Star Veterans Center, pictured, won the attendee half and the Rotary Club’s Pat Mulvihill, pictured with Lodge Veterans Chair, Karen Tracy, received the other half for an organization.

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Written by Mary Lavengood

The Aripeka Elks Lodge’s Veterans Committee and Exalted Ruler, Chick Anderson, invited 20 veterans from the Steps to Recovery program to join the lodge for Veterans Day dinner Nov. 11. Jack Mariano, Pasco County commissioner, a strong supporter of veterans activities in the county, spoke to 51 veterans and their spouses, thanking them for their courage and dedication and the impact they have had on the nation. The lodge supports Steps to Recovery with monthly collections of hygiene and household products to assist them in a successful return to civilian life. The Hudson High School Junior ROTC provided the presentation of the flags.

Pictured are veterans from the lodge and Steps to Recovery with Jack Mariano, county commissioner, far right in front.

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Written by Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks

On Nov. 1, the Veterans Committee of Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855 participated in a local Stand Down and used $4,000 of its $6,000 Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to purchase 230 backpacks, toiletries, protein bars and blankets, which were distributed to veterans experiencing homelessness. They donated the remaining $2,000 to help feed veterans during the event.

Pictured are members Claire Melia, Rosalie Hika, Greg Hika and Jim Clark.

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Written by Manasota Elks

On Nov. 1, Manasota Elks Lodge #2734 used its $6,000 Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to support the local Stand Down, sponsored by Turning Points. They donated a portion of the funds to the organizer to purchase needed items, such as bus passes. The balance was used to purchase backpacks imprinted with Elks Care — Elks Share. They then purchased toiletries for the backpacks, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap, shampoo, toilet paper, shaving kits and more. They held a backpack stuffing party before the event. At the event, they had a table in the veterans only section and distributed the backpacks.

Pictured are Jim Klocke, PER; Spike Klocke, member; Kathleen Kramer, Turning Points director; and Margie Dawson and Andy Guyre of Turning Points.

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Written by Sarasota South Elks

Aviata at Beneva, a long-term care facility, is one of the facilities that Sarasota South Elks Lodge members deliver Depression Dinners to Monday nights. On Nov. 10, Aviata at Beneva invited lodge members, along with representatives from Knights of Columbus and Tidewell Hospice, to a pinning ceremony to honor the service and achievements of its veteran residents. Renee Kinley, activities director, thanked everyone for helping make the Aviata residents feel cared for.

Pictured with three residents are member Bob Holmes, a Navy veteran who also received a pin; Paul DiBona, Treasurer; Debbie Morton, Secretary; Paul Morton, Leading Knight; Carol Garcia, and Paul Garcia, Exalted Ruler.