“So long
as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks will
never forget them”.
Throughout this State there our fourteen Elks South Carolina National Service Representatives and Deputy Representatives. They are committed to helping Veterans. They are located in Anderson, Buffalo, Iva, Charleston, Hanahan, Sumter, Orangeburg, Myrtle Beach, Walterboro, and Hilton Head. These dedicated people and their committees’ work untiringly to bring comfort to our Veterans.
Each lodge is committed to their own special project and the State Project Alzheimer’s Program. Ultimately, we must remember the cornerstone of our charitable endeavors the Veteran Program. It is not hard to remember. Look around you and listen to the news. The surge in Iraq is encouraging for the people of Iraq but not for the wounded that return daily with emotional and physical disabilities. We should also not forget Afghanistan and other posts where are veterans serve. Whether young or old active or inactive we are there to help with their medical and emotional problems. Lest we forget, what about the families of these men and women? Our hearts go out to them in their loneliness and need.
Whether we agree or disagree with this nations status at this time we still enjoy our freedoms. Some other nations do not. Those called to serve keeping our freedom have done so. We are committed. Our committee’s have provided much needed phone cards, gift boxes, coffee, comfort kits, pillows, blankets, food vouchers’, and half gloves. The Hilton Head Lodge adopted a platoon. The list is numerous it goes on and on. Yes, we visit nursing homes and hospitals but our sites are also concentrated on those returning with their physical and emotional needs and their families and our shipments to Iraq and Afghanistan and other areas’ where supplies are needed.
So if you have some time or money or ideas’ please approach your veteran committee chairman and ask how can I help? To those of you who have, each month I read your monthly reports and I am humbled by all the hard work and hours you donate. This Christmas I had an additional Christmas gift. I watched an older veteran at Freedom House in Waterboro’s reactions as he opened a gift of felt slippers. He said ” yes” loudly and hugged them to him. The look on his face was pure joy. Please keep up the hard work and spread your spirit to others. This State has something to be proud of, the men and women working in the Elks Veterans Program.
Fraternally,
Ray Thompson, S.C.N.V.S.C.