Portland-area veterans received a small thank you for their service from the Forest Grove Elks Lodge, by way of a chartered fishing expedition from Garibaldi on July 11.
A notice was sent out to Elks Lodges, American Legion posts and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, inviting veterans to take part in the trip at no cost to them.
Lodge Secretary, Alice Custodio, said 14 deserving veterans, some disabled, and ranging in age from 31 to 90, participated.
The trip was paid for with a Freedom Grant and Beacon Grant, both received from the Elks National Foundation.
The $1,500 awarded for the trip covered the cost of the charter, dinner after fishing at the Tillamook Elks Lodge, fuel to the coast and back, some dry clothes (after the water was rougher than expected) and a few fishing licenses.
A Forest Grove Ride Connection bus provided transportation. Forest Grove City Councilor and veteran Ron Thompson drove the bus.
On the way to the coast, a side trip was taken to the Tillamook Forest Center. In Garibaldi, the group boarded a Garibaldi Charters fishing boat and headed out to the open ocean.
According to Custodio, the seas were pretty choppy that day, and everybody got wet. Only two fish were caught, but everyone had a lot of fun.
The Forest Grove Elks have been working hard to support local veterans. In December 2013 the lodge opened its veterans room, with purpose of providing fellowship, resources and, if need be, a meal.
The room is open from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday through Fridays, except holidays.
For more information about the Forest Grove Elks and their programs, call 503-357-2440 or email forestgroveelks@comcast.net.
--Ken Centers
503-294-4034
@KenFGLeader