National Veterans Service Commission
GL Newsletter, November, 2009 Veterans Message: Honoring our Veteran Volunteers of the Year
by Louis J. Grillo, PGERCommission Member
Many of the key programs that the Order of Elks puts forward into communities are those on behalf of our Veterans.
Years ago, the Elks promised that “So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” This promise holds as true today as on the first day it was spoken. It is being carried forward by those men and women of Elkdom, who work daily through their Lodge to help make the lives of Veterans better.
In the military, soldiers have a support staff to help them carry forward their mission. Elkdom has developed one of the best support staffs there could possibly be to assist our Veterans in the many ways that are needed once they return from active duty. November is Veterans Remembrance Month, a special time to recognize, not only our active-duty military, but to all Veterans who have served in our military over the years.
At the same time, the Order of Elks does not just serve Veterans only one month of the year. We stand ready to assist them 365 days a year in any way we can. November is a special time to give praise and thanks to those caring Members who step forward to assist our Veterans in their homes, communities, on the street and in hospitals. As an Elk, take the time to seek out and thank those Members in your Lodge who go that extra mile to assist those true American heroes.
In October, the criterion for the Veterans Volunteer of the Year Award was sent to every Lodge and is also posted here for your convenience. If you need assistance in submitting nominations, call the Chicago office.
Always remember that freedom is not free. It is paid for daily by our active-duty military, and by those Veterans who continue to carry the scars of freedom for the rest of their lives.
Veteran Volunteer of the Year – Those eligible are: Elks and their spouses, VAVS Representatives, VAVS Deputy Representatives, Members who visit the VA Medical Centers, Nursing Homes, etc. or work at Lodge Veteran functions either within or outside the Lodge.
Each state can honor one male and female.
The State National Veterans Service Commission Chairman should coordinate this program if a state desires to participate. The Chairman should work with the State President and a Committee established for judging nominations.
Nominees for this award must meet one of the following criteria:
- Work with Veterans in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, assisted living facilites or their homes;
- Work with homeless Veterans;
- Work with Veterans and Veterans groups within the community;
- Host Veterans functions in the Lodge — Memorial Day, July 4th and Veterans Day observances, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas party, etc.;
- Host Veterans functions outside the Lodge – fishing trips, day at the races, baseball games, etc.;
- Adopt-A-Veteran
Nominations for Veteran Volunteer of the Year must be submitted in narrative form, not to exceed 300 words, to the State NVSC Chairman, or the designated judging committee chairman, by January 31st of each year. The Judging Committee, with the assistance of the State NVSC Chairman, will select the winners (one Elk and one spouse of an Elk), and submit their names and other pertinent information to the National Veterans Service Commission office by February 28th of each year, so that inscribed certificates and watches can be sent for presentation at the State Convention.
Award letters postmarked after February 28th will not be considered. Winners will not be eligible for future selection. This will enable other volunteers to receive recognition.
