The Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 hosted their annual “Honor and Remember Gold Star Family Luncheon” for military families that lost a loved one in service to our country. David A. Perry, U.S.Navy Retired, Master of Ceremonies and Elks Veteran Services District Chairman, warmly greeted the Gold Star Families and the audience assembled to honor them. Lodge President Mike Klinger welcomed the audience to the Elks Lodge and announced the 150th year anniversary of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. President Klinger explained the Elks have a rich history of support for our U.S. Veterans. A Presentation of the Colors was performed by Marines from 1st Battalion 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division of Camp Pendleton. Following this, the Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Lodge 1st Vice President Jamie Camunas and National Anthem was sung by Melissa McKenzie.
Marines Presentation of the Colors
Marines and Rolling Equipment
Major AJ Pompos and his wife Michelle Pompos
Left to Right: Jerrie Muir, Vets MV Lodge Chairman; 3 Pack #695 Scouts; Dave Perry, Vets District Chairman; Evita Dela Cruz, US Army Reserve; Larry Colgan, MV Lodge
After lunch was served, keynote speaker, Sgt. Maj. Anthony J. Pompos, 7th Marine Regiment, captivated the audience with personal experiences and spoke of sacrifices made by military families. Sgt. Maj. Pompos reverently spoke of the camaraderie of his brothers and sisters in arms developed by an all-volunteer military from diverse backgrounds. Next, the Mission Viejo Elks solemnly performed a Medal of Valor Ceremony. Each Gold Star Family was escorted by an Elks Veteran before the audience to honor their fallen servicemen and receive a Medal of Valor donated by the Elks Grand Lodge. The Mission Viejo Elks also made a $500 donation to the Veterans Suicide Awareness Program. This donation was presented to Program Coordinator, Evita Dela Cruz, U.S. Army Reserves. Many thanks to the Marines, Veterans, Elks, Orange Country Fire Authority Explorers, and Scouts of Troop #695 that made this a memorable and successful Elks event.
By Mike Long
Photographs credits to Su Barker, Gary Liebmann, and David Safely
