In February, 2003, the Elks National Veterans Service Commission announced a program of mobilizing an "Army of Hope" to assist the families of Military Reservists and the National Guard who have been called to active duty during this time of crisis. The response from our members and non-Elks has been overwhelming. Our elected government officials at the local, state and national levels are greatly impressed, and have responded favorably to our initiative.

The "Army of Hope" has many facets and literally any activity that supports our troops and their family falls under this vital program. Lodges are partnering with local and state organizations to adopt units and families to help them through these trying times.

How your lodge can make a difference!

To set up your local program, first identify a local chairperson. This position may be especially attractive to a veteran; however, any volunteer can chair the program. The chairman's first task is to establish a list of volunteers who are willing to provide their individual expertise to help our veterans. The chairman then provides a subsequent list identifying the specific skills of each volunteer. This helps in matching the needs of families with the skills of the volunteers.

When you have established your "Army of Hope" volunteers, you will need to contact your local Reserve and/or National Guard units. Explain the program to them and how your lodge can help the families. Then you can provide the list of volunteers along with their expertise directly to the local Reserve or Guard units. The military units may then contact the lodge or the volunteers directly, depending on how you set up your local program.

Work together with another local organization (VFW, American Legion, etc.) to help them with this program, "You can make a difference."

Please lets know what you are doing by sending your letters and pictures to the MSEA Coordinator so they may be posted here for others to see.

("Can-Coin Program")

Back in September of 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.

The affiliate, the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund, renamed 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, 2007. Mike had worked with the organization in setting up the program, which will feature coin cans in every Elks lodge and in other locations.

Calling Mike "truly a great leader in the veterans' community," John Rowan, national president of the Vietnam Veterans of America, said: "It was with Michael's great enthusiasm for veterans that this program exists as a partnership between the Elks and the VVA."

The program now underway and will benefit all veterans, all across America. VVA provides counseling and legal assistance to homeless veterans, female veterans, and the increasing number of young veterans returning home from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. These young heroes often need assistance obtaining their deserved benefits and returning to a normal life as civilians. Money raised in this effort will aid veterans as they deal with health issues, homeless services, and transitioning programs.