National Veterans Service Commission
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National Veterans Service CommissionA Concise History
In 1917, the world was at war. The Order of Elks was only 49 years old. In April of that year, Grand Exalted Ruler Edward Rightor appointed a committee to study what the Order of Elks should do in this crisis. The Committee was ordered to present its findings to the Grand Lodge Session in Boston that July.
At the session, this committee, headed by Past Grand Exalted Ruler John K. Tener, recommended to the membership that "the Elks give first consideration to the sick and wounded on the battlefields of France and equip base hospitals for their care," and that "the Order create a fund for war relief work."
The membership enthusiastically and unanimously approved a resolution appropriating $1 million dollars for the War Relief Fund. This money was raised by our Brothers at the subordinate Lodge level.
GER Fred Harper, who was elected Grand Exalted Ruler at the Boston convention, appointed an Elks War Relief Commission, with PGER Tener serving as chairman. This commission evolved into the organization we have today: the Elks National Veterans Service Commission.
During World War I, the Elks, under the auspices of the War Relief Commission, helped the nation to victory. Through the patriotism and generosity of our members, the commission organized and equipped the first two base hospitals to reach France -- Unit 41 staffed by faculty and alumni from the University of Virginia, and Unit 46 with University of Oregon faculty and alumni.
In 1918, to accommodate the maimed and wounded, the Elks built a 700-bed Reconstruction Hospital in Boston and gave it to the War Department. That was the only veterans hopsital after World War I that was donated by a private entity. It was transferred to the US Public Health Service that same year, and then to the Veterans Bureau in 1922. The hospital closed in 1928. Another facility was scheduled for construction in New Orleans when the government decided it was not needed. Also in 1918, the Order built a 72-room Community House to take care of families visiting the 40,000 soldiers stationed at Camp Sherman, Ohio.
During the war, the Salvation Army was severely handicapped in its great work for the servicemen by lack of funds. To make sure this work continued, the Elks War Relief Commission and the subordinate Lodges of the Order undertook campaigns to raise funds for the Salvation Army, and on many occasions assumed the entire cost of these undertakings. In addition, the commission, at Christmastime 1918, gave the Salvation Army $60,000 to continue its work.
The Commission made 40,000 rehabilitation, vocational and educational loans to disabled veterans who were ineligible for government help or were waiting approval of their applications for assistance. This service was so effective that the federal government followed the Order's example; they set up a revolving fund and took over this activity. The GI Bill, which makes funds available to veterans for education, had its genesis from this Elk program.
More than 70,000 Elks served in the armed forces during World War I. The supreme sacrifice was paid by more than 1,000.
In 1940, it was becoming quite apparent to many people that war was quickly approaching our shores. At the Grand Lodge Session in Houston that year, the Elks unanimously voted to establish the Elks National Defense and Public Relations Commission. The primary focus of this commission was to establish a patriotic program that placed the power of the Order behind the United States National Defense Program. All Elks were called upon to help preserve and defend our democratic way of life.
Right after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, GER John S. McClelland sent a telegram to President Roosevelt placing the Order of Elks at the nation's disposal. McClelland then called a special session of the Elks National Defense and Public Relations Commission in New York City. From this meeting on January 4, 1942, was born the Elks War Commission.
With an initial war chest of $35,000, the War Commission set about its work. They also appealed to the subordinate Lodges for financial aid and manpower. Once again, our Brothers, with their families, responded as they always have in times of crisis. Their support was overwhelming.
The Unites States Army asked the War Commission to recruit 45,000 young men for the ground crews of the Army Air Corps. The commission, with the help of the Lodges, recruited 97,000.
During its first session, the War Commission decided to set up a program in cooperation with Lodges that were close to large military camps. They wanted to provide Brother Elks with the benefits of their membership in the spare time available to them. The commission also wanted to provide members of the armed forces who were not Elks with some of the comforts of home while away for their families.
Throughout the United States, 155 Elks Fraternal Centers were established. They were supported by the Elks National War Commission, and in many instances, by individual Lodges.
Because of their record of accomplishment, the Elks were asked to help recruit men skilled in construction for the Army Corps of Engineers and the Navy Construction Batallions. With the enthusiasm and efficiency of our Lodges, the requested numbers were met three months ahead of schedule.
The president of the American Merchant Marine Library Assoication reported to the commission that 600,000 books were needed to provide reading material for the seamen of the Merchant Marine Service. The Order responded by providing 650,000 books, one per every member at that time of our great organization.
When the Philippines and Guam fell to the Japanese, the Elks provided aid for members and their families of Manila Lodge No. 761 and Agana Lodge No. 1281.
Thousands of gift boxes and personal hygiene items were sent to our fighting military personnel, while thousands of slippers were distributed to hospitalized members of the armed forces.
When thousands of wounded and disabled members of the armed forces returned to the States for recuperation at government hospitals, the Elks again stepped forward, offering their services to help entertain the veterans. The Elks provided the hospitals with radios, phonographs, playing cards, books, magazines, games, muscial instruments, craft supplies and personal items.
The Elk volunteers also spent hours listening to these heroes. They heard their tales of horror and heroism during battle. They listened to the hopes and dreams of these young veterans who were far from home, family, spouses and sweethearts. Most of all, the Elks were there to lend support whenever possible.
It was through this work with hospitalized veterans during World War II that we continued our evolution of serving our nation's veterans.
In July 1946 at the Grand Lodge Session in New York, the Elks National Veterans Service Commission was created to replace the Elks War Commission. The commission's primary goals were to carry on the Hospital Program, the Peace Army Enlistment Campaign, and all uncompleted activities supervised by the Elks War Relief Commission. During this session, the Elks pledged that "So long as there are veterans in our hospitals, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them." Our commitment continues to this day. The Elks even provided funds and materials to build a recreational unit at the Navy Hospital in Guam.
At the Philadelphia convention in 1948, a delegate from each Lodge in California deposited a bundle of hides at the rostrum. These hides, valued at $26,000, were distributed to 21 veterans hospitals that had requested the items. Thus began our Leather Program. We still actively promote and support occupational therapy programs with tooling leather provided from hides collected and donated by Elks.
The Elks National Veterans Service Commission became the Elks National Service Commission in 1949 at the Grand Lodge Session in Cleveland. This new commission was named the patriotic agency of the Order, in addition to continuing to work with veterans.
When a shooting war broke out in Korea in 1950, the Elks responded by sending gift packs as they had in World War II. The same was done in 1965 for those involved in the Vietnam War.
During the Korean War, the Secretary of Defense appealed to the Order for help in procuring blood for our wounded. Within a few months, the Elks Lodges obtained more than half a million pints.
During the Vietnam War, the Defense Department was concerned with the morale of our 400,000 troops. While these troops were fighting communist aggression, anti-American sentiment was being reported on the home front. After much discussion, it was decided that a "Letters from Home" campaign would help counteract the negative acts emanating from this country. The Elks again answered the call and flooded these fine young defenders of freedom with letters expressing our gratitude for the sacrifices they were making for our country.
When the commission learned that our wounded were sweltering in Tripler Army Medical Center, which lacked air-conditioning, they provided 24 air-conditioning units so that these military personnel might recover in relative comfort.
Since 1986, the commission has worked closely with Re-Creation, a group of young men and women who travel around the country visiting and entertaining our hospitalized veterans. This program helps brighten the days of those confined to VA medical centers.
Operation Desert Storm & Enduring Freedom
As our fighting men and women were defending the sanctity of life from the sands of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to Iraq, the Elks once again mounted a letter-writing campaign thanking these patriots for their dedication to duty. Gift packs were also sent as in previous conflicts.
The Elks were among the first fraternal organizations to formally welcome home the returning veterans from Operation Desert Storm. Subordinate Lodges held appropriate functions recognizing the veterans' sacrifices and thanking them for their commitment to duty.
That Elks hold veterans in high esteem is evident by their actions. During the Grand Lodge Convention held in Los Angeles in 1921, a proposal was made to establish the Elks National Headquarters in Chicago. The Committee also recommended that the Order erect a memorial building honoring those who served their country and gave their lives during the Great War. The Elk Lodges raised $2.5 million to pay for the new building.
The cornerstone was laid on June 7, 1924. On June 14, 1926, the edifice was formally dedicated to those who served in World War I. The National Headquarters and Memorial Building was rededicated in 1946 to those who saw service in World War II. Again, in 1976, this honor was bestowed on those who answered the call in Korea and Vietnam.
In 1990, at their annual meeting in Las Vegas, the Elks voted to restore their National Headquarters and Memorial to America's Veterans. They raised more $4.5 million for this purpose. On July 3, 1994, the building was rededicated to peace and to those who served in Grenada, Panama, Operation Desert Storm and other conflicts.
At the National Convention held in New Orleans in 1995, the delegates voted on July 13th to change the name of the Elks National Service Commission to the Elks National Veterans Service Commission, just as it was from 1946 to 1949. While our name has changed, our mission is the same -- to provide aid and comfort to any veteran in need.
Our story is long, our work is humble, our history is proud. The Elks National Veterans Service Commission will continue serving our nation's veterans.
While visiting VA medical centers, many Elks choose to entertain veterans by hosting coffee and ward socials, magic shows, musical concerts, games, bingo, or an afternoon an evening of movies. Often, Elks members demonstrate their compassion and gratitude for veterans in the simplest of ways--reading to a blind veteran who sacrificed his sight in defense of the nation or by listening to the stories that a veteran has to tell. While visiting VA medical centers, the Order not only entertains veterans but frequently provides much-needed supplies and equipment to the hospitals and a wide range of smaller amenities to the veterans. Some items that are perennial favorites for the Elks to give these brave men and women are greeting cards for holidays, birthdays, and all other occasions; envelopes, stationery, and first-class postage; lap robes, slippers, and toiletry items; books, recent issues of pictorial magazines, and crossword puzzles; occupational and manual-art supplies, including hides from the Elks Veterans Leather Program; board games; jigsaw puzzles; fishing and golf supplies; small appliances like radios, hot-air popcorn poppers, and televisions; and homemade cookies and pastries.
Local Lodges that aren't close to a VA medical center make sure that they remember veterans residing in nursing homes throughout their community. These veterans, like the ones residing in VA facilities, are often "adopted" by the Elks and invited on fishing trips, sightseeing tours, golf outings, ball games, or to the Lodge for lunch or dinner. Veterans often are honored guests at a lodge's holiday and special events.
The Order's history of caring for veterans is something for which every Elk is proud, and that pride shows permanently in the Elks Veterans Memorial, an awe-inspiring monument on Chicago's lakefront. Dedicated in 1926 to the memory of those who had fought in World War I, the memorial was rededicated in honor of the men who served in World War II. Rededications followed in 1976 for the patriots of the Korean War and Vietnam, and in 1994 for the men and women who have served in all of our nation's conflicts since.
In Defense of the Nation
In times of war and international conflict, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has made considerable contributions to the nation's armed forces. The Order considers its work done to aid in defense of the nation as one of its proudest and most lasting achievements.
For more information on ELKS NATIONAL VETERANS SERVICE COMMISSION, an informative brochure containing a concise histoy of the commission may be obtained at:
Paul D. Helsel, Grand Exalted Ruler
Acceptance Speech
At 2008 Grand Lodge Convention in Anaheim
In addressing Veterans Issues he said............
Through such programs as the Army of Hope, Adopt-a-Veteran, and the Michael Manning National Veterans Program, as well as many other veterans service activities pursued at the local and state levels, we continue to fulfill our solem pledge to provide aid and comfort to those Americans who have given so much to protect and ensure our freedom. Never forget our veterans, and please partisipate in these most important programs of service.
Elks Join Vietnam Vets in Program to Raise Funds for Support of Troops
On November 10, 2007, the leader of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A., past Grand Exalted Ruler, F. Louis Sulsberger, addressed thousands of veterans assembled on the Mall in front of the capital in Washington, D.C. for the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. In his speech he told of Elks commitment to our veterans and that our help is needed more than ever.
In December 2007, F. Louis Sulsberger announced that The Order of Elks, as part of our "Army of Hope" program, is teaming up with the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund (VVAF in a national initiative to raise funds to assist soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan as well as all veterans of the nation's wars. A new partnership was created between the Elks and the charitable affiliate of the Vietnam Veterans of America, The Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund is renaming its Coin Can Donation Program, "The Michael F. Manning National Veterans Program", as a tribute to Michael, who directed the Elks National Veterans Service Commission for over 14 years and passed away July 22, 2007
Proceeds from this program will help benefit veterans in healthcare issues, homelessness services, and transitioning services back to civilian life
Elks Volunteers will request permission from business owners to place coin banks in prominent locations within their businesses with the expectation that customers will make coin donations. Additionally, the coin banks will be placed in Elks Lodges all over USA.
As an added incentive to coin bank hosts, and as a token of our appreciation, each business participant will receive a free web site ad on the Lodge web site (www.elkslodge2444.org) for the duration of the program.
This is another program that is 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 from funds raised by the Vietnam Veterans of America Fundraising Program in honor of Michael F. Manning -"Can-Coin Program."
VVAF and the Coin Donation Can Program
By Edward Paul Greiff
Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund and the Support Task Force have joined together to make the nation aware of the plight of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. The message is simple and direct. It lets the American people know that one of today’s toughest issues is the plight of our returning Afghanistan and Iraq veterans and helping them get the assistance they need. This challenge is vividly depicted in Barry Blitt’s cover illustration, “Uphill Battle,” for the March 26, 2007, edition of The New Yorker magazine. The picture shows a disabled veteran sitting bewildered in a wheelchair at the foot of a long flight of steps that climb to the entrance of a medical center. The veteran is clearly pondering how to maneuver this seemingly impossible obstacle while doctors and others pass him by as if he is not there.
A cardiologist, after learning about the STF fund-raising programs, said, “Isn’t it sad that the money has to come from private citizens?”
A Girl Scout leader, learning that her Scout troop will be able to meet, greet, and thank sixty disabled veterans participating in the Achilles running club’s “Hope and Possibility” race in June 2007, lost it for a moment as tears welled up in her eyes and she said, “Thanks for the opportunity.”
The Iron Workers Union in New Jersey read the STF press release and voted to donate the proceeds from their “Sports Place” event on June 16 to VVA.
These stories are repeated constantly. As private citizens, business leaders, and organizations learn of the STF mission, they all want to help.
The Support Task Force mission is to heighten public and corporate awareness of the physical, mental, and emotional needs of our returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and to raise funds for programs designed to help our returning veterans re-enter the society they left behind. Along with Vietnam Veterans of America, STF is working with the Wounded Warriors Project, Veterans of Modern Warfare, and the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund.
What makes the distribution of over 500,000 Coin Donation Cans such an effective fund-raiser is that it’s based on the simple concept that “loose change adds up.” It enables the average American to participate without enduring any hardship. Bank of America has agreed to be one of the sponsors of the program and process all of the coins collected through coin-counting machines available in every branch.
Amy Mosebach is one of the top 25 volunteers and fund-raisers in the San Francisco area. She is heading up the STF West Coast division and will launch the Coin Can collection program in California. Amy is not wasting any time and has already begun outreach to Vietnam Veterans of America in the Bay Area, banks, the movie and television industries, local government officials, night spots, and others who have expressed interest in supporting this fund-raising initiative.
Jeanette Pousada is the New York State Elks Association Vice President. She spearheads many of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission programs in New York. Along with Adopt A Veteran, another program is the Medal of Valor, which pays tribute to men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation. Pousada represents the Elks’ National Veterans Service Commission at the VA Medical Center in Castle Point, New York. The Elks has long been a supporter of programs to help veterans. Now, through the efforts of Jeanette Pousada, they will be assisting the Support Task Force in veterans assistance efforts.
MID HUDSON 6180 JEANETTE POUSADA BREWSTER #2101
32 Woodbine Dr., Mahopac, NY 10541-4234 E: Jmahady@bestweb.net H: 845-621-2047
Elks Orange Coast District 930
Lft to right; Michelle Anstadt, Director, Saddleback College Foundation, Leo F. Hazell, Vetrans Chairman Elks Lodge 2444, Irene Romero, Exalted Ruler, Lodge 2444, Dr. Richard McCullough, President, Saddleback College, Dr. Rajen Vurdien, Vice President of Instructional Services, Saddleback College.
On August 10, 2006, the Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Lodge 2444, presented a $1,000.00 check to assist in the construction of a Veterans Memorial on the campus of Saddleback College.
The memorial will feature a life-size figure of a member of the armed services, surrounded with fountains and lights to illuminate the sculpture during the evening. The memorial is scheduled for completion and unveiling on Veterans Day 2006.
Saddleback College Veterans Memorial Photos
Veterans History Project
Visit this link for details:http://www.loc.gov/vets/about.html
Our primary focus is on first-hand accounts of
U.S. Veterans from the following wars:
* World War I (1914-1920)
* World War II (1939-1946)
* Korean War (1950-1955)
* Vietnam War (1961-1975)
* Persian Gulf War (1990-1995)
* Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts (2001-present)
In addition, those U.S. citizen civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts (such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers, etc.) are also invited to share their valuable stories.
How did the Veterans History Project start?
The United States Congress created the Veterans History Project in 2000. The authorizing legislation (Public Law 106-380), sponsored by Representatives Ron Kind, Amo Houghton, and Steny Hoyer in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senators Max Cleland and Chuck Hagel in the U.S. Senate, received unanimous support and was signed into law by President William Jefferson Clinton on October 27, 2000.
The Veterans History Project is made possible by the generous support of the United States Congress.
City of Mission Viejo
Veterans Memorial
Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley
Elks Lodge 2444
Prepare For Upcoming Coin Drive
Date: September 22, 23 and 24, 2008
Time: 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM each day
Place: Wal-Mart Store #2206
27470 Alicia Pkwy
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 360-0758
Saddleback Valley Lodge 2444 Coin Drive
The MVSBV Lodge 2444 just concluded a three day Coin Bank drive at the Laguna Niguel WalMart store. The drive took place Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the 22, 23 and 24th of September. The drive raised $432.79 for the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund to aid Afghanistan and Iraq returning veterans in need of assistance.
Volunteers for the three days included Judy Buckser, Bob Lionetti, Ray Mallen, John Gordon, Mike and Norma Lanners, John Myrak and Shar Urban. Leo Hazell, the event coordinator was assisted by his wife Elizabeth.
Pictures of the event participants are attached.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A
&
Vietnam Veterans of America Fund Raising Program
in honor of Michael F. Manning -"Can-Coin Program"
Jim Humphrey, Leading Knight of Mission Viejo Saddleback Lodge 2444, displays the coin banks that he recently collected from local merchants..
Back in September (2007), the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A. made a commitment to the Vietnam Veterans Alliance to collaborate in a fund raising program named in memory of Michael F. Manning, past Director of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission. The program is now underway and will benefit all veterans, all across America..
This program will take dedication and a sincere effort only until July 31 of 2009. All Lodges have been asked to participate, not only in the name of a Great Elk, but in a renewed dedication to assist our nation’s heroes as specified in our motto.
Jim Humphrey is known for his dedicated service to Elkdom over the years, but his participation in the “Can Coin Program” has exceed all expectations.. Jim has placed and collected 10 banks with local merchants and has collected a grand sum of $234.09 to the Manning Coin Bank Program, to support the Viet Nam Veterans Fund that will help present day returning war veterans with healthcare issues, homelessness services, and transitioning services back to civilian life.
Elks everywhere appreciate your dedication to our wounded warriors..
Leo Hazell, Veterans Chairman Lodge 2444