Des Moines, IA 98

GER Message

Members should honor, support veterans this month

The Order of the Elks has designated November as Veterans Remembrance Month. Every Elk should know our solemn pledge of "So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them."
Veterans are our heroes! Please find a way to honor veterans in your Lodge and in your community. Some ways to say you care would be by hosting a veterans dinner at your Local Lodge, distributing care packages, and attending local events that coincide with your community's recognition of veterans.
Our organization led the way in 1917 to fund and later establish the first veterans' hospital. Currently, we have more than 700 Elks assigned to more than 400 VA Medical Centers, State Veterans Homes, clinics, and housing facilities across the country.
Our volunteers visit these facilities 2.5 times per month on average and provide entertainment such as bingo, art classes, and dinners. They also donate hygiene items and clothing, each making sure that the veterans are a priority.
The Order is committed to ending veterans homelessness. One way is by supplying Welcome Home Kits to newly housed veterans. This past year there were 4,252 kits distributed. The kits could include a bed, dishes, small furniture, and appliances like a microwave and coffee maker.
Another way is our partnership with VA social workers, who provided us with the names of 558 veterans who needed emergency financial assistance to become or remain housed. The average amount of assistance was $1,659.
As a follow-up to last month, make sure your local schools received information for the Americanism Essay Contest. Essays should be submitted for judging by December 15.
November also marks the need for us to be active citizens by voting in the election. Election Day is always held on the first Tuesday of November.
In closing, Sue and I wish you and your family a bountiful and relaxing Thanksgiving, always keeping in mind that you can Be The Difference by promoting "Elks Care--Elks Share."