"I Am An Elk"
The Elks serve our country by reaching out to those who defend it
Since the early days of Elkdom, the Veterans Service Commission has patriotically served those who have fought for our great nation. It's one of our most important committments as a National Organization - and as a Lodge. You probably know the rich history of the Elks in serving those who defend our freedom.
When vets returned home from the First World War, the Elks made a huge...literally history-changing committment. As an organization, we provided job training and scholarships that allowed thousands upon thousands of those early 20th Century soldiers to build a better life.
In fact, it was the Elks program for returning WWI veterans that was the model for WWII's G.I. Bill - which gave a generation of baby boomers the education and opportunity to make America the economic engine that drove prosperity around the world.
The Elks have a saying: "So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will NEVER forget them."
Through programs like Adopt-A-Vet, where our members forge a friendship with a Veteran in the hospital or long-term care facility...or our monthly Bingo trips to the VA Hospital in Grand Island...and our Army of Hope activities for the families of currently deployed soldiers...it is a promise we are keeping at Hastings Lodge #159.