Elks National Veterans Service Commission
October Newsletter
Welcome
Welcome to the inaugural Elks National Veterans Service Commission monthly newsletter!

We'll kick this off with some big news! The Elks have partnered with the VA to help end veteran homelessness. Today, as many as 10 percent of homeless adults are veterans.

"We're so excited about partnering with the Elks on this important issue impacting far too many veterans," said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald.

Read more about the partnership here, and then stay tuned to the Welcome Home webpage for more details about the program launch coming soon.
Congrats to the 2015-16 Freedom Grant Lodges!

This year, we received 444 Freedom Grant applications-the most ever. It was a very competitive year, and we came away impressed and inspired by Elks' passion for serving veterans.

Read more about this year's 180 recipients, and how they'll be using their grant funds to serve.

Veterans Day Video

Spread the word about the Elks' commitment to serving veterans this November by featuring this video made by Michael DuBray of Glen Falls, N.Y., Lodge No. 81. (Dubray was recognized during the Convention in Indianapolis for a public service announcement he created about veterans.)

Share it on social media, show it at the Lodge or contact local TV stations.

For an emailed copy of the video, please contact the ENVSC office at Vets@elks.org.

A Colonie of Support

For the last 22 years, members of Colonie, N.Y., Lodge No. 2192 have been supporting homeless veterans at the Stand Down.

Read more about how two local Vietnam veterans and Elks members got the tradition started. 

Then, watch a video about this year's event.

Stay Informed
The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America organization is a popular veterans group with a growing membership. A great resource for younger veterans, and a good potential partner for your Lodge's veterans program, learn more about them here.

"Through education, advocacy and community building, we strive to create a country which honors and supports veterans of all generations." 
 - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America 
Forward this email to Lodge members and friends and invite them to sign up here
Stay Connected



Questions? Contact us at 773-755-4736 or Vets@elks.org. Elk photo