National Veterans Service Commission
Welcome!
Welcome to the Elks National Veterans Service Commission's Online Resource Center. Several of our Grand Exalted Rulers have stated that in their travels, they found those associated with the National Veterans Service program to be the most dedicated of the dedicated. Furthermore, many Chiefs of Voluntary Service at VA Medical Centers have told us, “Whenever we want something, we can count on the Elks.”
In each of the 172 VA Medical Centers there is an Elk committee at work. Literally, thousands of Elks and their families give generously of their time, energy and resources so that the lives of our ill and aging veterans will be enhanced. Hundreds of thousands of hours and like numbers of dollars are devoted to programs that are designed to keep us true to our pledge: ”So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.“ And now we've broadened our program to include outpatients and veterans who are homeless.
The purpose of this online resource center is not only to inform the public and our own members of our good works, but also to help our Veterans Service chairmen and committee members live up to our pledge. We've tried to answer the questions most often asked and to spell out the responsibilities of chairmen on all levels. We've also included suggestions to strengthen your program.
Our goal is to make the Elks the most visible force in voluntary service to our veterans. Hopefully this resource center will be useful in that quest.
News from the Front
- GL Newsletter, Dec. 2009 Veterans Message: Helping Veterans also means filing report
- Congratulations to all Elks who, through their Lodges and State Associations, give so very much in time, money and other forms of service for our nation’s heroes – our Veterans and those currently serving in the military.
- GL Newsletter, November, 2009 Veterans Message: Honoring our Veteran Volunteers of the Year
- Many of the key programs that the Order of Elks puts forward into communities are those on behalf of our Veterans. Years ago, the Elks promised that “So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” This promise holds as true today as on the first day it was spoken. It is being carried forward by those men and women of Elkdom, who work daily through their Lodge to help make the lives of Veterans better.
- October, 2009 Veterans Message: Elks always remember Vets
- Our Grand Exalted Ruler proclaims every year that November is Elks Veterans Remembrance Month, a most deserving and well-earned honor. I believe, however, as Elks, we think about, remember, and work with our Veterans every month of every year, every week of every month, every day of every week and every hour of every day. As Elks, we know we owe our Veterans a debt that can never be repaid for the sacrifices they made to protect our freedom and to give us the opportunity to maintain our way of life.
- PGER McCallum launches Elks/Wounded Warrior Project with $50,000 Grant
- During his report at the Grand Lodge Session of July 8, 2009, outgoing ENVSC Chairman Amos McCallum announced plans for a joint venture between the Elks and the Wounded Warrior Project. Lodges throughout the country will have the opportunity to host severely wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan on hunting, fishing, and other outdoor trips. Neil Duncan, a 25 year old bi-lateral amputee wounded in Afghanistan, accepted a check for $50,000 from the Elks National Veterans Service Commission on behalf of the Wounded Warrior Project. Click the headline to watch the video of Neil's introduction and stirring address to the convention.
- GL Newsletter, September 2009 Veterans Message: Charitable Summary, 2008-2009
- Several year ago we started publishing statistics that reflect the generosity of Members and their spouses who work so hard to keep our pledge to the Veterans of our Armed Forces. It is with a great deal of pride that the Elks National Veterans Service Commission lists the statistics for the 2008-2009 fraternal year.
