Lancaster Elks Lodge 1625
240 East Ave. K.
Lancaster, California 93535
Click Here for Google Map
Phone: (661) 948-1912
Lodge Office Hours:
Monday & Tuesday. 9am - 3pm
Thursday & Friday 9am - 3pm
Closed Wednesdays
Lodge Meeting: Tuesdays 7pm
Veteran's Corner

Hello Fellow Elk Members and Veterans,
Veterans Corner Comments for November 2023:
    Armistice Day commemorated the end of fighting in World War I under the armistice implemented at 11am on November 11, 1918- the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day a year later. Seeking to pay tribute to the 16 million Americans who fought in World War II (including 407,000 who died) and others who served the nation in any of its wars, Congress, and President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954 redesignated the November 11th holiday “Veterans Day.” “Let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting and enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.” Eisenhower wrote in his first Veterans Day proclamation. During Veterans Remembrance Month, Elks across the country will be participating in civic Veterans Day ceremonies, making their presence known and reminding the public that “So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” Our Lodge Officers will be presenting a wreath during the memorial service at Joshua Memorial; Cemetery. The Lodge Veterans Service Committee presented an Elks National Foundation $2,000.00 Spotlight Grant to the Lancaster Veterans 4 Vets Organization who assist local Veterans who are experiencing homelessness and food in security. Glen Campbell Veterans Committee
Lancaster Elks Lodge #1625  

Antelope Valley Vet Center: 38925 Trade Center Drive, Suite J, Palmdale, CA 93551 Phone (661) 267-1026 Fax (661) 267-2045 See the Antelope Valley Vet Center for Readjustment Counseling; Post-Traumatic Stress Counseling; Sexual Trauma Counseling; Bereavement Counseling; Help for Women Veterans; Referrals for V.A. Benefits; and Employment Referrals.
California Department of Veterans Affairs: (800) 952-5626, WWW.CALVET.CA.GOV See CAL-VET for Healthcare; Education; Housing; Employment Home Loan;s Veteran Homes; Compensation and Pension Claims and Other State Benefits. VETERANS TAKE CARE OF VETERANS.

This article was taken from the February edition of the Grand Lodge Newsletter:
  Army of Hope eases life’s stresses for military members By Stewart G. Israel In February 2003, the Elks announced the Army of Hope program to assist military members, including active-duty military personnel, deployed units, military reservists, the Coast Guard, the National Guard, and their families. The Army of Hope allows the military member to safely concentrate on his or her duties without worrying about the family at home. It has many facets and can be easily adapted to the needs of local and state organizations, VFWs, churches, and scout groups to adopt units and families to help them through these trying times. The first step, like with many projects, in to gather some volunteers. After you have established your Army of Hope volunteers, contact local groups like Reserve and National Guard units, Blue Star Family groups, and other groups for military members. Ask what their biggest struggles are, and offer examples of things your Lodge can do to help. Military families may contact the Lodge or volunteers directly, depending on how you set up the program.
Examples of aid assistance include:
• School Lunches
• Medical and dental emergencies not covered by insurance.
• Auto repairs or transportation when needed
• Minor home repairs (plumbing, electrical, painting, etc.)
• Full-time to back-up babysitting
• Lawn mowing, snow shoveling, landscaping, sprinkler repairs.
• Clothing and shoes



Chairman of the Veteran's Committee's Message
Hello to all Veterans of the Elk Family,

This following article was taken from the Grand Lodge December Newsletter. Emergency Assistance helps hundreds of veterans By NADEZH MULHOLLAND, Programs Assistant

    A father with a heart condition is anxious to move his family to a safe, smoke-free home. A man worries he will be evicted from his apartment while receiving inpatient mental health treatment. After learning that her abuser is scheduled to be released from prison, a mom moves her children out of state on short notice. If you’re wondering what these people have in common, the answer is simple. All three are veterans, and all three turned to the Elks in their time of need.
    The ENVSC’s Emergency Assistance Fund was created to help veterans prevent and exit homelessness. In 2015, in partnership with the VA, we pledge to help eradicate veteran homelessness. The Emergency Assistance Fund is one way we are making good on that promise. Last year, the Emergency Assistance Fund helped more than 400 veterans with essential housing expenses such as security deposited, rent, and utilities. For most of those veterans, Elk’s assistance was the only thing standing between them and homelessness.
    Many people, including veterans, are one emergency away from the threat of eviction: a job loss, illness, a death in the family. Working at the ENVSC, I have witnessed firsthand the pivotal role of timely financial support in shaping a veteran’s future. Even a seemingly small amount of money can help keep a veteran safely housed. Our Emergency Assistance Fund gives veterans the support they need and deserve to rebuild after homelessness or a financial emergency. The fund does something else, too: it shows veterans that they are not alone. “You have given me a renewed hope for humanity,” said a Miami veteran whom we assisted with rental arrears. “Sometimes it’s not easy to reach out for help. No one likes to be turned down. On behalf of all the veterans and service men and women you haven given so many reasons to look forward to the future, I am eternally grateful.” When a military member’s service to our country ends, we say they are “coming home.” But the truth is, far too many veterans have no place to call home. We dream of a future when that number is zero, but until then, we soldier on.

VETERANS TAKE CARE OF VETERANS.
VETERANS CRISIS HOT LINE: 1-800-273-8255
VETERAN CBOC LANCASTER: 661-729-8655
ANTELOPE VALLEY VET CENTER: 661-267-1026

Esteemed Lecturing Knight, Walter Sapp
Chairman Veterans Committee
Lancaster Elks Lodge #1625

Helpful Links for Veterans
  LIVE HEALTHY There are steps Veterans can take to help prevent heart disease, cancer, and other common diseases of aging. Get the recommended health screenings, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and don’t smoke. Learn more about healthy living (http://www.prevention.va.gov) Numbers to use for additional information: Health Care: 877-222-8387 Benefits: 800-827-1000 TDD (Hearing Impaired): 800-829-4833 VETERANS CRISIS LINE: (https://www.veteransline.net/ ) 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) Remember that Veterans take care of Veterans. Contact me if I can be of assistance. Walter Sapp Esteemed Lecturing Knight Chairman Veterans Committee

How Elks Help Veterans
  The programs for the aid of our government, especially in times of war, have earned our Order the highest commendation from the Government. The destiny of our Order is tied directly to the destiny of our country and, therefore, our support of our Government and the advancement of Patriotism are of the utmost importance to us. Ours was the first organization to propose Flag Day and to get it adopted nationally. Our Order has pledged that "So Long As There Are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective of Elks Will Never Forget Them." Our Order gave a hospital donated by members of the Elks that was given to our Government that became the first V.A. Hospital. We have carried out this pledge and spent thousands of dollars and hours aiding our veterans, hospitalized or otherwise. These are some of the worthwhile programs in which we are engaged, and we hope that after you are a Member, you will want to assist us in this work.