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P.O. Box 49
Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
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Our Military & Veterans
Tampa Elks Lodge Invites Veterans to Dinner
- Details
- Written by Rita Smith, PER
Tampa Elks Lodge #708 hosted eight veterans from the James A. Haley VA Domiciliary July 21 for a steak dinner. Members Daniel Armentrout, Evelyn Hemingway (left), Laura Jones (back right) and Debbie Brennon ensured they had everything they needed. The veterans’ meals were paid for through fundraising by the lodge Veterans Committee.
Largo Elks Deliver Items to CW Bill Young VAMC
- Details
- Written by Diane Sharp
On July 17, Largo Elks Lodge #2159 donated $700 worth of toiletries and T-shirts to the CW Bill Young VA Medical Center. The items were purchased using part of a $3,000 Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant. They will use the balance of the grant on bicycles, air mattresses and a barbecue picnic for the veterans at the hospital.
Pictured are Jeanne Reinhart, PDD; Diane Sharp, Exalted Ruler; Johnny Miller, VAVS Representative; Sandy Behm; and Bob Behm, retired LTC, Lodge Veterans Chair.
Palmetto Elks Supply Bay Pines VA Hospital with Food and More for Veterans
- Details
- Written by Lorraine Baker
Palmetto Elks Lodge #2449 used its $1,000 Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant to purchase items and food for veterans at Bay Pines VA Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. Items were delivered by Lodge Veterans Chair, David Chappel, and past chair Jim Hoey. The staff reported how happy the veterans are to receive such items.
Pictured are the items, worth $1,700, delivered July 10.
Fort Pierce Elks Restock Snack Cart at Ardie Copas Veterans Nursing Home
- Details
- Written by Fort Pierce Elks
On June 22, Rod Dally, Fort Pierce Lodge Veterans Chair, delivered supplies to refill the snack cart that the lodge donated to the Ardie Copas Veterans Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Accepting the donations is Kayla Bryant, nursing assistant/activities.
Port St. Lucie Donates to Treasure Coast Barbers United
- Details
- Written by Port St. Lucie Elks
On June 19, Port St. Lucie Lodge donated $1,000 to Treasure Coast Barbers United for their new young barbers program, which trains young people to become professional barbers.
Pictured are Tom Randazzo, Exalted Ruler, and Jieo Rivera and Gregory Jones, of the young barbers program who volunteer to give veterans free haircuts Wednesdays at the lodge.
Ardie R. Copas Veterans' Nursing Home Receives Snacks for Patients from Fort Pierce Elks
- Details
- Written by Ginny Young
On May 18, Fort Pierce Lodge members donated snacks for the cart at Ardie R. Copas Veterans’ Nursing Home, which serves to entice patients out of their rooms.
Pictured are Beverly and Rodney Dally, PER, Lodge Veterans Chairs, and Sherika Akers, therapy aid supervisor/activities director.
Fort Pierce Elks Donate Items for Veterans without Homes
- Details
- Written by Ginny Young
Fort Pierce Lodge made its monthly donation to the West Palm Beach Veterans Volunteer Services May 18 of requested items for veterans who are homeless.
Pictured are Rodney Dally, PER, Veterans Services Chair, and Michelle Jackson, voluntary services specialist.
Lake City Elk-Mates Raise Funds for Army of Hope
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- Written by Lake City Elks
On May 5, Lake City Lodge’s ladies auxiliary, the Elk-Mates, hosted an Army of Hope fundraiser with more than 75 lodge and community members in attendance. More than $200 was raised for the Army of Hope.
Pictured are Chris Samson, Exalted Ruler, and Brandy Meeks, Elk-Mates Treasurer.
West Palm Beach Elk Riders Place Flags at Veterans' Graves
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- Written by West Palm Beach Elks
On May 28, the West Palm Beach Elk Riders rode their motorcycles to the South Florida National Cemetery and placed flags at all the veterans’ gravesites.
Perry Elks Host Fundraiser for Combat Marine Outdoor
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- Written by Perry Elks
On April 1, Perry Elks Lodge #1851 held a fundraising dinner for the local chapter of Combat Marine Outdoor, an organization that provides hunting, fishing and other outdoor adventures for active-duty combat and combat-injured warriors and veterans. Pictured are Melvin Suggs; Patricia “Pat” Ferguson; Beth Benton; Darnell McLeod, Lady Elks member; and Fonda Neel, Esquire.
Brooksville Elks Lodge Donates Grant to K9 Partners for Patriots
- Details
- Written by Sherry Mackeil
On May 31, Brooksville Elks Lodge donated $1,000 from its Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant to K9 Partners for Patriots. This organization's mission is to prevent veteran suicide and save homeless dogs by partnering the dogs to be trained as veterans’ service dogs. Hope, healing and perseverance are the founding values of the organization. Pictured are Dana Cutlip, lodge grants coordinator; Mike Hughson, Lecturing Knight; Nora Hughson, trustee; Sherry Mackeil, Treasurer; Jane Hussey, Inner Guard; Carr Hussey, Exalted Ruler; and Gregg Laskoski and Mary Peter from K9 Partners for Patriots.
Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge Treat Veterans and Guests to Day of Fishing
- Details
- Written by Green Cove Springs Elks
On May 6, 18 members and volunteers of Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 used a portion of the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to host a fishing day for veterans from Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home. Twelve veterans, 22 family members and four staff members enjoyed a day fishing from the dock, enjoying the view and having a delicious lunch. The event was coordinated by Rick Kunze, PER.
Pictured are some of the volunteers.