Special guests Jim and Carla Hogan, founders of “Socks For Heroes” were invited to visit a Friday night dinner at the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks where they spoke to the Elk’s members and guests. Exalted Ruler Mike Klinger greeted the Hogans and Elks Lodge member AJ Pompos Regimental SgtMaj of 7th Marine Regiment, introduced the Hogans to the Elks in attendance. Pompos spoke of the bravery of 20-year-old Lance Corporal Donald J. Hogan, who was killed protecting his brothers from an IED blast while on foot patrol in Helmand Province Afghanistan in August of 2009. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment,1st Marine Division Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton. Lance Corporal Hogan was awarded the Navy Cross (Posthumously) by the President of the United States.
Jim Hogan thanked the Elks for their ongoing support saying, “In the time period that followed the tragedy of our son’s death, Carla and I spent a lot of time with the Marines who served with him. During each of our conversations with these men, we asked them what they needed the most. Their answer was simple – Socks. Socks are the one thing the military doesn’t supply and individuals need to provide that necessary staple for themselves whenever and wherever they can. Hogan said a Marine officer once told them the three most important items to have while deployed are ammunition, food, and socks.
Veterans committee Chairman David Perry, Exalted Ruler Mike Klinger present check to Carla Hogan, Jim Hogan, with AJ Pompos
Putting boots on the ground for long periods of time comes with its wear and tear, as well as possible foot diseases. “If you’re an infantry Marine, you’re on your feet 12 hours at a time every day. The terrain can be very difficult: it could be wet, it could be rocky, it could be muddy, it could be the dry desert. Their feet are an important part of their job, and they go through socks rapidly. Often, if they’re out in the field, they don’t take their boots off. They have to be prepared if there’s an incident. Most of them sleep in their boots.”
Since Socks for Heroes started in May 2011, Socks For Heroes has sent over 560,000 pairs of socks – along with food, hygiene gear, and other necessities to our men and women serving overseas. That’s over 46 TONS of socks! Hogan added, “We are currently supplying Marine and Army units supporting the fight against radical Islamic fundamentalism in Afghanistan and Iraq. Your help goes a long way in making their deployments easier by taking one more worry off of their minds, and letting them focus on the job at hand.”
Lance Corporal Donald J. Hogan
Orange Coast District Veterans Service Chairman David Perry presented the Hogans a check from the Lodge for $500 which was part of an Elks National Foundation (ENF) grant. The ENF is the national charity arm of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. It is supported by donations from Elk members and it returns the donations to Lodges in the form of grants to be used for the betterment of the community. Elks Exalted Ruler Klinger thanked the Hogans for all they do. “We are happy to have you with us and proud to be supporting the wonderful work you started seven years ago and are faithfully continuing to this day.”
The Hogans spent the rest of the evening meeting members and enjoying the hospitality of the local Lodge. The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 48 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.
Andy Costello, Lodge Publicity
