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: The Michael F. Manning -"Can-Coin Program" Back in September, 2007, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A. made a commitment to the Vietnam Veterans Alliance to collaborate in a fundraising program named in memory of Michael F. Manning, past Director of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission. 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. Commission Recommends Guide Through Rehab for Wounded Warriors The Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors recommends that a federal "recovery coordinator" be assigned to guide individuals seriously wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan through the rehabilitation process. Elks to Join Vietnam Vets in Program To Raise Funds for Support of Troops A new partnership between the Elks and the charitable affiliate of the Vietnam Veterans of America will raise funds to assist soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as all veterans of the nation's wars. The affiliate, the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund, is renaming its Coin Can Donation Program, "The Michael Manning National Veterans Program," as a tribute to the long-time director of the Elks National Veterans Service Department who died July 22.