Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elk Sandy Bergan and Elks supporters recently crocheted quilts for use by Veteran patients at the Veterans Hospital in Long Beach. The colorful and comfortable quilts were a welcome sight to Veterans and were delivered by the Elks Veterans Committee Bingo Team when they visited the hospital to play bingo with the Vets.

Sven Akesson, Dennis Lumley, and Lucky Walch of the Elks Veterans Committee are also members of the Freedom Committee of Orange County (FCOC). The mission of the FCOC is to bring veteran’s living history from WW II, Korea, Vietnam, and the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, into classrooms throughout Orange County. Members, invited guests, and educators are welcome to the General Meetings held the second Wednesday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, in Costa Mesa. For more information, contact Mr.
Scott Williams, President, FCOC, at 714-501-0941 or swllmsca@gmail.com
Elk Dave Perry, front left, Veterans Chair, Orange Coast District, with other Elks, and patients at the VA Hospital Long Beach Bingo
In late June, Elks Veterans Committee Members assisted the President/CEO of Brain Education Strategies and Technologies, Inc. (BEST) with her application for a $65,000 grant which was submitted to the Infinite Heroes Foundation. If awarded, the grant will be used for a Traumatic Brain Injury/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder study BEST is conducting for 50 Veterans in four states, including California.

Lodge #2444 is celebrating 49 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 8 lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 150-year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share” For information regarding Elks programs or membership, call 949 830-3557.
Photo Credits: Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks
Written By: Veterans Committee Chairman
Jerrie Muir


















