National Veterans Service Commission
Welcome!
Welcome to the Elks National Veterans Service Commission's Online Resource Center. 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. Hopefully this resource center will be useful in that quest.
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.
- GL Newsletter December, 2008 Vets Message: Please remember to file Remembrance Report
- By the time you read this, each Lodge should have received a Veterans Remembrance Report Form. It is of the greatest importance that all Lodges file this report. We know you do the work, so please take the time to record your efforts and get credit!
- Please remember to submit Veterans Remembrance Report
- Since 1946, our promise to all our veterans and their families has been and continues to be “So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” We have kept this promise and continue to do so.
- GL Newsletter November, 2008 Veterans Message: Lodges should honor fellow Elks who do the most for Veterans
- The Elks are very fortunate to have many dedicated Elks and spouses who volunteer their time to help our Veterans and make their lives a little more comfortable. These Elks and spouses who give unselfishly of their time to improve the lives of our Veterans should be recognized for their efforts even though they do not seek this recognition.
