September 2023 – Webb City #861 Sponsors a Service Dog for Veteran
Webb City Elks Lodge #861 presented a check for $19,000 on September 9th to Heartland Canines for Veterans to sponsor a service dog for a Veteran. The dog selected is a female Giant Schnauzer and as part of our “One of Us” campaign, our Lodge was asked to give her a name. Since this dog breed has German origins, we selected “Elke” as her name (pronounced Elk-a). It is a popular girls name in Germany which means “noble and kind” – plus it has the word “Elk” in it! We are so proud to give a Veteran this life-changing opportunity and to establish what we hope is a long partnership with Heartland Canines. Visit www.heartlandk9s.org to learn more about this incredible organization. This sponsorship was made possible by the hard work of our members during fundraising events as well as the generous private, matching gift from a member’s family.
Pictured (L to R): Steven Taylor, Veterans Committee Chairman; Cheri Badgley, Exalted Ruler; Jimmy Burgess, Heartland Canines Executive Director.
June 21st – New Propane Griddle
On June 21, Bob Hoagland of Springfield Lodge #409 and Gary Bockman of Christian County Lodge #2777 delivered and assembled a new propane griddle to the Missouri Veterans Home in Mount Vernon. Chris Cendroski of Veterans Home Maintenance Department assisted and helped clarify some of the assembly instructions. The griddle was funded by Missouri Elks Association funds related to the Veterans Administration Voluntary Service program
District events in March & April
After the Christian County Lodge #2777 gun show on March 3, 4, 5 one of the vendors donated 9 DVD’s and 25 VHS tapes to the Lodge with the intention of them being taken to the Mount Vernon Veterans Home. Unfortunately, the facility no longer accepts VHS tapes. Lodge 2777 member and VAVS representative to the facility Gary Bockman delivered the donated items to the DAV Red Racks store in Springfield.
On April 14 Gary Bockman visited the facility and delivered hygiene products, DVDs and Books purchased with VAVS funds to the facility and met with Volunteer Coordinator David Kloppenborg and Recreational Therapy Director Keri Creasy to discuss items that might be desired in the future, then met with the Assistant Admission Administrator to discuss the status of a Veteran’s application for residency. The Veteran’s family was then notified of the status of the application and a to expect telephone call evaluation to be conducted shortly.
February 28, 2023 – Therapeutic Kits Delivered
On Thursday February 28 Gary Bockman, ENVS Representative to the Missouri Veterans Home in Mount Vernon delivered a package of 7 Therapeutic Kits to the Recreational Therapy Director Keri Creasy and her staff. These were provided to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks by the Combined Federal Campaign through Help Heal Veterans organization. The catalog of kits available includes wood, leather and other materials and these kits were chosen by the Recreational Therapy Staff at Mount Vernon.
“So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them “ is the Elks Pledge for Veterans. Providing these kits not only ensures that we remember the Veterans residing at the Mount Vernon facility, but provide a way to assist with their therapeutic needs to stay healthy and active.
February 26th, 2023 – Elks Lodge #409 holds planning meeting for helping homeless veterans
n Sunday, February 26, Elks Lodge #409 hosted a planning meeting for planning a Welcome Home Kits for homeless veteran’s project. Fellow Elk Ryan E. Beismer, who is a graduate student at Fort hays University presented his “Strategic Plan Proposal – Southwest Missouri Elks Welcome Home” which he has prepared as a part of his graduate student class work.
December 16th, 2022 – Elks Leather Wheel Chair Gloves Donation
On Friday, December 16, 2022, Gary Bockman, delivered Elks Leather program wheelchair gloves to the Missouri Veterans Home in Mount Vernon. Luckily, Bernard was in the lobby area and received the first pair to be distributed. When asked if he wanted a pair his response was “I’m not going to be in this chair forever”, but he did accept a pair. Photo by David Kloppenborg, Volunteer Coordinator at the facility.
September 19th – Missouri Veterans Home Donation
On September 19th, an 8 burner propane grill was delivered to the facility to replace an old grill that had lived out its useful life. Veterans Home maintenance staff agreed to assemble the grill and place it in use. Andy Just, maintenance employee moved the grill from Gary Bockman’s car to the forklift. The forklift driver did not want to be photographed and exited the driver’s seat to move out of camera view. Below is the thank you letter for the three items recently donated to the Missouri Veterans Home in Mount Vernon. It confirms that the old grills which were replaced by Missouri Elks Veterans funds had become dangerous to operate. It is a pleasure to be able to help the Veterans at the home as the Elks representative to the facility.
August 29th – Missouri Veterans Home Donation
On August 29th a new 8 burner propane grill was delivered to the Missouri Veterans Home in Mount Vernon. Funding for the grill was provided by Missouri Elks Association through the Veterans Administration Voluntary Service program. Pictured are Chris Cendroski, Maintenance department employee, David Kloppenborg, Volunteer Coordinator and Gary Bockman, Christian County #2777 member, VAVS Representative to the facility and Southwest District Veterans Chair. The grill is used for cookouts serving residents, staff members and volunteers that cook burgers and hot dogs.
August 22nd – Missouri Veterans Home Donation
On August 22nd, a portable drink cooler was delivered to the Missouri Veterans Home in Mount Vernon to replace an older non-portable cooler. Keri Creasy, Activities Director, reported that its first use was to take ice cream treats to residents in their rooms. The delivery was made outside the entry door due to the facility being under lockdown due to Covid 19. David Kloppenborg, Volunteer Coordinator took the photo of Gary Bockman, Christian County #2777 member and VAVS Representative to the facility.
