Jacksonville, FL 221

Flag Day Ceremony 2023

True Americanism was on full display at the Jacksonville Elks Lodge 221 Flag Day Ceremony. The lodge opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and God Bless America. Honorable Bob Morgan officiated the Elks Flag Day Ritual. Lodge Officers, members, family, armed forces, veterans, police officers and representatives from Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) were present to pay their respect to Old Glory. About Our Flag Brochures, Honor Our Flag Decals and flag lapel pins were passed out as a reminder America is Freedom. Congratulations to Wally Banks JSO Police Officer for winning the free 3x5 United States of America Flag Giveaway. The ceremony was followed by a fireside burning of 52 unserviceable flags and the lodge hosted a buffet for all who were in attendance. Americanism Chair Carla Rhymes pictured with Wally Banks of the JSO.

Veteran Services Chair Karen Tracy at the Flag Burning Ceremony

Robbie Garland - Lodge Treasurer

New ER 2022-2023 David Graham PER

Donation to Feeding Northeast Jacksonville FL by Robin Pipkins!

Ready for delivery!

Pies and Turkeys and Hams for the families!!

L-R: Deborah Reedy, PER - Lodge Secretary, Gladys Laboy Carrasquillo - School Counselor, Robyn White - Principal, Betsy Bryant - Event Coordinator and Lodge Chaplan and ER Jim Bryant

Welcome Andrew Townsend and James Holderfield to our Order! They were initiated on September 8, 2021. Pictured are ER Jim Bryant, Installing ER Carole Shapley, Andrew and James!

Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 recently partnered with Operation Barnabus to help purchase a vehicle to enable a local veteran transportation for herself and her family, who has been going through difficult times dealing with PTSD. Jacksonville Elks used $500.00 from the Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant for their first donation of the grant, along with the help of the owner of Mercy Automotive Charitable Foundation, Karla, and Operation Barnabus, to help our first recipient, Dee a is a Navy Veteran. Dee, the mother of three children, ages 17, 12 and 10, was introduced to Operation Barnabus several months ago through local veterans she had met. In that time since, she has received the help and support from volunteers at Operation Barnabus who have helped her overcome her struggles with PTSD. This support, along with the strength and power of faith, has empowered her to move forward with her life in a good and positive way, and our Jacksonville Elks Lodge is humbled and privileged to have been a part of making this huge difference in Dee’s life. In Dee’s words, time and time again, “God is good!!” Operation Barnabas is a faith based nonprofit organization assisting military veterans and first responders who struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”). By providing sanctuary, meeting physical needs, and linking resources, their purpose is to provide hope, encouragement, and mentorship to at-risk veterans and first responders through outreach and resources in a swift and timely manner. Operation Barnabus endeavors to ignite a positive transformation in those striving to find purpose and meaning and is funded by the support of generous donors. Pictured left to right: Karla – Owner of Mercy Automotive Charitable Foundation, Ms. Dee – Navy Veteran, Pastor John Green – Operations Officer of Operation Barnabus, Robin Pipkins – ENF Grant Chairwoman of Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221, and Deborah Reedy PER – Secretary of Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221. #ElksCareElksShare

Jeff Morse, Founder of the Brotherhood Riders with ER Jim Bryant on August 25th when our Lodge hosted the riders and their guests with Dinner, overnight lodging and breakfast the following morning on their 22 day journey to Ground Zero in New York City from Venice, Florida!

ER Receiving poster from Founder, Jeff Morse, of the Brotherhood Riders

Family being honored

Group shot