Topic: Veterans Program 2014
started by: Doug Wells
Posted by Doug Wells on Nov. 09 2014,8:36 am
Posted by Bill Neessen on Nov. 13 2014,7:37 pm
“As long as there is a Vet, the Orange Elks will never forgetâ€. The members of our lodge enjoy their work to support our Veterans, whether it means cooking for them, serving lunches to the Wounded Warriors or blind veterans, visiting them at the various Veteran’s Hospitals events, supporting Patriots and Paws, helping at the Half Way houses in Santa Ana, working at the Stand Downs, attending the Memorial Day Tri City program, playing bingo at the V A hospital in Long Beach or giving a Local Hero Scholarship!The lodge Veterans Committee raises money through out the year to give an “Orange Heroes Scholarshipâ€. Last year’s winner, Joe Torres was present to thank us and give an update on how his scholarship help him to get closer to being a fire inspector.
Pictured Joe and Brian Fitzpatrick Veterans Chairmen
Posted by Bill Neessen on Nov. 13 2014,7:38 pm
This year the award was given to USMC Staff Sergeant Gabriel Armenta who served three tours to Iraq. Gabriel will use the award for his studying computer engineering. Pictured L – R Natalie Sell, Isiah Armenta, his son, and Gabriel
Posted by Bill Neessen on Nov. 13 2014,7:40 pm
Our Wednesday Night cooking crew prepared a dinner and the left over meals were taken to the Half Way Houses in Santa Ana. One of the best events the Orange Lodge celebrates each year is our Veterans Day Program. Our cooks
Posted by Bill Neessen on Nov. 13 2014,7:41 pm
One hundred and forty three members and guests recognized forty five veterans.
Posted by Bill Neessen on Nov. 13 2014,7:42 pm
Don Westerfield, an Army Veteran and our Master of Ceremonies and Doug Wells put together the program and again this year, they did a great job! Don mentioned why veterans are successful and how the respect for our veterans has evolved over the years to where it is today that when you see a veteran, they are applauded and thanked for their service to our country. This year Don played “Name That Veteranâ€. He read the biography’s of twenty five of our Elks / Veterans, had them stand and each one was given a valuable prize of a “Hundred Grand†(that’s a candy bar). One of the most common answers from the veterans was “I didn’t do anything specialâ€. Another thank you went to the spouses of the military people who were at home taking care of their families.
Posted by Bill Neessen on Nov. 13 2014,7:43 pm
The program ended with those attending singing Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USAâ€.Our Emblem Club gave each off the veterans mom a yellow ribbon lapel pin.
Posted by Bill Neessen on Nov. 13 2014,7:44 pm
The Orange Elks will honor our Veterans at every opportunity. Again, “Thank you for serving our county and for defending our lives, liberties and freedom. We are truly grateful for you". Patriotism runs deep through the heart of Elkdom. Our Veterans!