Here is how we help our veterans
VETERANS COMMITTEE REPORT
By Robert Kielsa PER
I’m happy to report Non Cash Donations total $76,711, our Cash Donations hit $6,592 and our Welcome Home Kits have reached $23,401. This brings our total Veterans Donations to $106,704! We have a Free Veterans Day Breakfast set for Wednesday, November 11th from 7 to 9 AM. Bring a friend, member or none member, and have breakfast on the lodge’s Veterans Committee.
Thank you to all our members who participated in our Veteran Games! A big thank you to all our members who donated items for our Veterans Game Day Raffle! Your donations are a huge part of our total income in this event!
I’m sad to report to our members that we will lose our terrific Veterans Committee member Greg Koper. Greg has been the lifeblood of our Welcome Home Kit program we run in conjunction with the VA and our Elks National Veterans Organization. Read more about Greg in our ER’s Elk of the month recognition article. Its our loss, but Saint George, Utahs gain!
As we hit Fall weather, our homeless veterans are in need of a number of things we can contribute that will help with their comfort and health. Canned food, like chili, soup, stew, tuna, chicken, spam, and fruit cups. Crackers, trail mix, beef jerky, individual bags of chips/crackers/snacks, protein bars, cookies and canned fruit are helpful. Toothpaste and brushes, lip balm, sunscreen and hats are needed as well. Backpacks, small amount gift cards ($10, $15) to grocery stores and fast food are also very helpful.As far as clothing goes, we need new T-shirts (Med, Lg, XL), jeans ( W 33, 34, 36), long sleeve shirts and socks. Please place all NEW items, along with food, in the White barrel in the lounge.
Having been the chairman of the Veterans Committee for close to 14 years. I have decided its time to pass the helm of this committee to Wayne Brittain. I’m excited for our lodge, because Wayne has both the passion and drive to continue our lodge’s support for our veterans. We are wrapping up our 2026 lodge survey on November 15th.
We will soon have paper surveys in the lodge for your use. If you’ve completed one already, but have a new idea, please fill out another one. Your ideas are very important to the Board of Directors and Ann, our House Committee Chairman.
Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
VETERAN'S MEMORIAL WALL DISPLAY PLAQUES
The Veterans Committee has established a Memorial to Honor our Veterans, First Responders, Fire and Police. Immediately outside our front door there are four enclosed cases that will hold 200 plaques where a veterans name, rank, years of service and military branch may be inscribed. This is a very visual way to honor our veteran and first responders, and is a fund raiser for our committee. Glass plaques will be sold for $75 for any member who wishes one for their service, for a friend or family members. We have one member who plans to obtain a plaque for his father, father-in-law and himself. Signup sheets are at the bar or can be obtained by emailing bobkielsa@gmail.com, lisahensley88@gmail.com or kayleenborah@gmail.com for application forms. An application is also included as an insert in the Bugle. All plaques will be placed on the wall in the order the application and payment are received.
Two new programs
Sponsored by Catalina Mountain Elks Lodge #2815
By Bob Kielsa
I’m excited to announce that our lodge has two more programs designed to support our military and veterans.
The first program is Recycle Cell Phones for our troops. Since 2004 this organization has recycled over 30 million devices, and have provided over 400 million free minutes by sending more than 5 million
calling cards to our service personnel overseas.
You can donate by dropping your used cell phones at the lodge or providing cash or a check (made out to Catalina Mountain Elks Lodge #2815) in an envelope marked for veterans committee in the Cell
Phone box in the lounge.
Our second program is through an organization called Intrepid Hospice. They are looking for volunteers willing to spend 30 to 45 minutes with those who have a short time left here on earth. One of the worst fears everyone experiences during this dying process is dying alone. You can make a difference.
CELEBRATE THE - Veterans - ALL GAVE SOME - SOME GAVE ALL
