SERVICES

Several of our Grand Exalted Rulers have stated that in their travels, they found those associated with the National Veterans Service program to be the most dedicated of the dedicated. Furthermore, many Chiefs of Voluntary Service at VA Medical Centers have told us, “Whenever we want something, we can count on the Elks.”

In each of the 172 VA Medical Centers there is an Elk committee at work. Literally, thousands of Elks and their families give generously of their time, energy and resources so that the lives of our ill and aging veterans will be enhanced. Hundreds of thousands of hours and like numbers of dollars are devoted to programs that are 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.

The purpose of this online resource center is not only to inform the public and our own members of our good works, but also to help our Veterans Service chairmen and committee members live up to our pledge. We've tried to answer the questions most often asked and to spell out the responsibilities of chairmen on all levels. We've also included suggestions to strengthen your program.

Our goal is to make the Elks the most visible force in voluntary service to our veterans.

Elks National Veterans Service Commission News

GL Newsletter February 2009 Vets Message: Veterans Leather Program continues to grow
In 1948, the Elks of California donated 25,000 hides to our Order for the benefit of Veterans. This was the beginning of the Elks National Veterans Leather Program.

GL Newsletter January, 2009 Vets Message: What we can do for homeless veterans
America's homeless Veterans have served in World War II, Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Operation Iraqi Freedom, or the military’s anti-drug cultivation efforts in South America. Forty-seven percent of homeless Veterans served during the Vietnam Era. More than 67% served our country for at least three years and 33% were stationed in a war zone.