"That was the first time the man had spoken in 20 years," says Mike. "I'm very fortunate doing what I do."
The words "thank you" have been the focus of Mike's 12 years of service as the director of the Elks veterans program. Mike arms the more than 100,000 Elk volunteers with the information they need to provide care and comfort to veterans across the country. With funds from the Elks National Foundation, the volunteers do everything from buy presents for veterans on their birthdays to host holiday dinners at the local VA medial center. The volunteers strive to show veterans they're grateful for their service.
"For years, we spent millions of dollars supporting veterans but never thought to say 'thank you,'" says Mike. "We owe veterans a debt we can never repay-they gave up tomorrow so that we can enjoy today. It's important that we show we appreciate their sacrifices."
Since becoming director in 1993, Mike has developed new ways to reach out to veterans. He's most proud of his role in creating the Youth Veterans Volunteer program, which today involves more than 2,000 high school students. The students spend one-on-one time with the veterans, telling stories or playing bingo. "The enthusiasm of youth knows no bounds," says Mike. "There is so much potential for youth volunteers."
With veterans making up one-third of the homeless population, Mike has also worked to extend the Elks service to homeless veterans. The Elks work with the VA at Stand Downs, events that provide homeless veterans with food, shelter, comfort and services such as health screenings and employment. Mike hopes that in the future, the Elks will have a greater handle on the homeless veterans problem. He fears the numbers of homeless veterans will only increase.
"In the coming years, we'll need to have more funding to help homeless veterans," says Mike. "The majority of funds that we receive from the Foundation are directly spent on veterans. I always tell people that if you like what the veterans program is doing, keep giving to the Foundation so we can do even more."
Mike believes his greatest accomplishment as director is convincing volunteers at the Lodge, district and state level to work together. By becoming a more cooperative unit, volunteers can devote more funds and time to serving veterans. "We're all in the same boat," says Mike. "The more people we have in the boat pulling oars, the faster it will go."
Mike is the first veterans program director to have never served in the military. But, that doesn't stop him from succeeding at his job. In fact, he sees it as an advantage. When he urges for increased support of veterans, people know he's not looking out for his own interest. The same is true about the Order, he says.
"The Elks stand as citizens of this country who want to show we appreciate our veterans," says Mike. "The only thing we care about is that you're a veteran and you need help. The Elks know that veterans aren't asking for much-they just want to hear 'thanks.'"
Sidebar: Leading the Way for Our Veterans
The Elks took a stand during World War II and pledged to never forget those who have fought for our country. The Elks National Veterans Service Commission has since created many programs to help combat the ongoing challenges veterans must face in the nation they risked their lives for.
Veterans Administration Voluntary Service Representatives (VAVS) Located at each of the 172 VA Medical Centers, these 600 plus volunteers bring joy to veterans they meet through simple acts such as hugs, conversation and companionship. They also help with behind the scenes work in order to keep the facilities running smoothly, and are responsible for Lodge volunteer and fundraising efforts in their area.
Youth Volunteers More than 2,000 youth have joined the youth veteran volunteer program and impacted the lives of veterans since its start three years ago. The students visit local veterans through programs set up by their high school counselors and Lodge Veterans Service and Youth Activities chairmen. For more information on youth involvement, visit www.elks.org/vets/youthveteran.cfm.
Adopt-a-Veteran Last year 103,000 veterans were adopted by Lodges across the country. Lodge members schedule visits with their veterans, especially during holidays and on their birthdays. The continuous contact makes veterans feel like part of a family, and in many cases is their only source of one. Contact your Lodge Veterans Service chairman to request a list of veterans in your area.
Care Kits The Commission and Federated Wholesale Inc. have recently come together to provide hospitalized veterans with care kits, including essentials such as shampoo, shaving gel, deodorant, a toothbrush and other items. Bags have the Elks' logo on the front and can be purchased at a very low cost for veterans in need. Call the National Veterans Service Commission at (773) 755-4736 for Federated Wholesale's ordering information. Certificate of Appreciation Nothing means more than a genuine thank you. More than 250,000 certificates thanking veterans for their service have been handed out. The Commission provides these free of charge to Lodges holding events to honor their local veterans. Contact the National Veterans Service Commission at (773) 755-4736 for ordering information.
Veterans Leather Program Used for recreational and occupational therapy, tanned leather and hides provide veterans with a rewarding hobby, while also facilitating muscle use and exercise. Elks have even sponsored arts and crafts shows, where veterans' pieces are entered and displayed to the public.
Playing Cards The Commission provides veterans with free playing cards to enjoy. Contact Tom Jamison at (217) 323-2224 for ordering information.
To learn more about the Veterans Service Commission history, programs or how to get involved, go to www.elks.org/vets.