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."

The Elks National Veterans Service Commission has become a collecting partner of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, which collects and preserves the extraordinary wartime stories of ordinary people. Learn how you can participate by collecting interviews with veterans from your lodge and your community.

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: Michael F. Manning National Veterans Program - "Can-Coin Program" Joint fundraiser between the Elks and Vietnam Veterans of America. Lodges place canisters in community establishments and collect funds from the general public, with proceeds going to the assistance of all veterans. We are asking each Lodge to find a few dedicated Elks to work this program, which will last only until July 31 of 2009. 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. US Marine initiated into Lacey, NJ Lodge Corporal Robert C Angellella, US Marine Corps, was recently initiated into Lacey, New Jersey Lodge No. 2518.