Veterans awarded pins for service
Elks Lodge continues to honor their sacrifices

By Michael Arthur
Staff Writer

GEORGETOWN - On Monday, July 18 residents at the Southern Ohio Veterans Home came together for a presentation from the Hillsboro 361 chapter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Hillsboro Elks exalted ruler Dennis Shaw and past exalted ruler Steve Newby first congratulated Robert Weaver, Elks State Representative for the SOVH and recent recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award, for his service and dedication to veterans. Shaw read a letter to Weaver from Ohio State Auditor Betty Montgomery. "Your dedication to volunteerism is truly commendable," said Montgomery. Shaw and Newby then presented pins to all veterans denoting their branch of service.

Navy veteran Earl Long, resident of Southern Ohio Veterans Home, receives a pin from a member of the Elks Lodge during a special presentation Monday, July 18.

"On behalf of the Hillsboro Elks Lodge," said Shaw, "It is my honor and privilege to present each of you with a military service pin denoting your branch of the Armed Forces. Please display it proudly as an American Veteran."

The Elks have long been involved with veterans, upholding a promise to "provide aid and comfort to any veteran in need."

"We only have to say 'Our Veterans need' and the Elks are there to help," said SOVH Volunteer Services Coordinator Pat Michalski. Michalski said the Elks sponsor several events throughout the year, including a monthly birthday party with cake, ice cream, gifts and cards, Cincinnati Reds baseball tickets five times a year with spending money, ball caps, t-shirts. Candy and personal items are passed out weekly to all residents.

For Christmas 2004, the Elks gave sweat suits and extras to 125 new residents. "Their personal visits here mean so much, as they take time . . . to visit with our veterans on a one to one basis," said Michalski. "It is because of (the Elks) that the lives of Veterans are enriched as they become a resident of the Southern Ohio Veterans Home."

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