Veterans

Committee Chair – Tom Davis

CoChair – Laura Head

VETERANS COMMITTEE 

The Veterans Committee meets  at the Garden Grove Elks Lodge. Elks pledge, “So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” When it comes to serving veterans, the Elks have a long and storied tradition of being there when they are needed most.  One of the ways we do that is by supporting the “Veteran’s Stand Down.” We raise funds to provide personal and other items for veterans and participate in the Stand Down which provides hot meals, housing assistance, showers, dental care, clothing and over services to veterans, especially those without housing.

Veteran’s Stand Down – March 2025

The Orange Coast District, consisting of eight BPOE Elks Lodges, held a Veterans Standown Event on March 1st at the Garden Grove Elks Patio and Park.  With well over 200 veterans in attendance our veterans were provided with multiple services.    Some services included free meals, dental and eye services, with  housing and legal assistance. 

Group photo of Veterans Stand Down Event:  Chairs and their Lodges (from left to right) John Paine District Veterans chair, Fullerton, Dan Breece Co District Veterans Chair, Santa Ana, Kellie Miller, Santa Ana, Sharon Violano, Garden Grove, Don Stewart, Huntington Beach, Alex Benedettini, Huntington Beach.

In addition, free haircuts, clothing and shoes, counseling assistance, and SWAG bags, and entertainment from the All American Boys Chorus of Santa Ana with fifty boys ages from 8 to 15.

Elks History of Supporting Veterans

A Legacy of Service: The Elks Organization and Its History of Supporting Veterans

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), founded in 1868, has a long-standing tradition of patriotism and community service. Among its most enduring commitments is the unwavering support of U.S. military veterans. For more than a century, the Elks have provided assistance, companionship, and advocacy for those who served in the armed forces, with their programs evolving in scope and impact to meet the changing needs of veterans across generations.

Roots in Patriotism

The Elks’ support for veterans can be traced back to their founding ethos of charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. These values naturally aligned with the organization’s support for soldiers and their families, especially during times of national conflict. During World War I, the Elks took on a formal role in veterans’ care, establishing hospitals, funding convalescent homes, and raising millions of dollars to assist wounded servicemen and their dependents. By the end of the war, they had built the first veterans hospital in Boston and turned it over to the federal government—a gesture emblematic of their deep commitment to veteran welfare.

Expansion Through the 20th Century

During World War II, the Elks once again rose to the occasion. Lodges across the country mobilized to support troops both abroad and at home. They provided care packages, hosted community drives, and operated recreation centers for servicemen on leave. After the war, the Elks helped returning veterans reintegrate into civilian life through job placement assistance, housing aid, and community support networks.

In the following decades, the Elks maintained their dedication to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, many of whom returned to a society struggling with political division and inadequate resources for mental and physical health care. The Elks worked to bridge that gap by offering community-based support and ensuring that these veterans felt recognized and appreciated.

Modern Programs and National Veterans Service Commission

In 1946, the BPOE established the Elks National Veterans Service Commission (ENVSC) to consolidate and expand its veterans’ efforts. The ENVSC now oversees a wide range of programs designed to serve veterans and their families, particularly those in need or at risk of homelessness.

One of the most notable initiatives under the ENVSC is the “Welcome Home” program, which provides housing assistance and essential supplies to homeless veterans as they transition into permanent housing. The Elks partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs and local organizations to identify and meet the needs of this vulnerable population.

Additionally, the Elks Veterans Leather Program takes donations of leather from Elks members and turns it into therapeutic craft kits and wheelchair gloves for veterans in VA hospitals and rehabilitation centers. This program not only meets practical needs but also offers a creative outlet and a sense of connection to the community.

Community Engagement and Volunteerism

Elks lodges across the United States regularly host events for veterans, including holiday meals, recreational outings, and ceremonies recognizing their service. Many Elks volunteers also make routine visits to VA hospitals and nursing homes, offering companionship and organizing activities to improve the quality of life for elderly or disabled veterans.

The organization’s commitment to veterans is not just about material support—it’s about honor, respect, and human connection. The Elks’ motto, “So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them,” is not just a slogan but a guiding principle that shapes their national and local actions.

Looking Ahead

As the nature of military service and veterans’ needs continue to change, the Elks are evolving their programs to address issues like PTSD, women veterans’ support, and digital outreach. With over 1,800 lodges nationwide and tens of thousands of volunteers, the Elks remain a vital partner in honoring and assisting those who have served in the U.S. military.

Through over a century of unwavering service, the Elks have established themselves as one of the most consistent and compassionate organizations dedicated to veterans’ welfare in America. Their history is not only one of service but also of deep gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by the nation’s heroes.

Wreaths Across America

Help us remember and honor as many veterans as possible on Wreaths Across America Day. (Date will be in December) by donating to help purchase wreaths that will be laid on the graves of our fallen heroes at Santa Ana Cemetery by our loyal Elks volunteers. For more information, to make a donation, or to volunteer, Email Tom Davis or call @ 760-805-9597.