What are the Freedom Grant Lodges up to? Find out in this email!  You are receiving this email because you are listed as a State or Lodge Veterans Chair, State newsletter editor, or because you signed up. You may unsubscribe at any time.

The Elks' Turn to Serve

Elks National Veterans Service Commission September Newsletter

Let Freedom Grants Reign!

Last month we shared breaking news about the 180 Freedom Grant recipients. The dust has settled and now you can read more about what each of these Lodges is doing with their Freedom Grant funds.  Here are a few examples! San Luis Obispo, Calif., Lodge No. 322 will team up with Amazing Surf Adventures to hold Operation Surf 4 Veterans, a 6 month recreation therapy program that also provides mentorship and family support.  Billings, MT, Lodge No. 394 will host a job fair and provide resume writing and interview skills training to veterans. They will also offer emergency assistance with utility bills for military families. Ashland, KY, Lodge No. 350 will partner with Volunteers of America to make accessibility updates and repairs to the homes of veterans with disabilities.

Elks Family Elks Scholar Fellow Sancy Childers is hard at work in the ENVSC office, assisting veterans in need of emergency assistance, and helping Lodges provide Welcome Home Kits.   Two days a week, she volunteers at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, representing the Elks and assisting veterans in various ways.  Read about her time at the Veterans Food Pantry. Then, consider whether your community could use one! What other supportive services do you think VAs should offer?

Looking Ahead Lodge Veterans Chairs, check your mail! A package is on its way to you soon. (It will go to your attention at the Lodge address.) This package will provide the tools your Lodge needs to join the fight against veteran homelessness.  And, Veterans Remembrance Month is around the corner. As Elks, we serve veterans all year long. For many, Veterans Day is one of few days each year that they consider the needs of local veterans. Take advantage of that sentiment!  Hold a November fundraiser for veterans, or invite family and friends to join in a service project.

Stay Informed  In 2008, the Secretary of Defense launched a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, and t o thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War and their families.  The government is seeking assistance in reaching as many Vietnam veterans as possible. If your Lodge is interested in becoming a Commemorative Partner in this project (by holding two events between now and 2017) or ordering free pins to present to Vietnam Veterans in your community, please visit the webpage for more information.

United States Military veterans make up over 30% of all patients with malignant mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos. Learn more about this issue and learn about VA benefits at www.mesotheliomaveterans.org.

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Questions? Contact us at 773-755-4736 or Vets@elks.org. You are receiving this email because you are listed as a State or Lodge Veterans Chair, State newsletter editor, or because you signed up. You can unsubscribe using the link below at any time.