Veterans Committee
So long as there are Veterans, the Elks will never forget them.
The State Veterans Committee assists local lodges in running programs for Veterans and is also responsible for running the Veterans Volunteer of the Year award.
Committee Members
- Gerry Gallo PER – State Chairman
- William Currlin – Central District
- Rob Muoio PER – Coastal District
- Jim Eccleston PER – East District
- Stuart Topliff – Northwest District
A monument in the truest sense, the Elks National Memorial was built in 1926 to honor Americans whose profound sacrifices for the nation can never be recognized by mere words. With its massive dome, heroic sculptures and intricately detailed friezes, the Memorial is a distinctively American interpretation of classical greatness.
You can read about the building’s history or take a virtual tour. When you’re ready to come and see the Memorial in person, you can plan your visit, too.
On October 6, 2021, an employee of the PODS Moving and Storage Company found the cremains of a Veteran in an empty storage unit. A motorcycle escort transffered the cremains to the Biddeford-Saco Elks Lodge 1597, stopping at the Manchester Elks Lodge on the way.
Veterans Volunteer of the Year Nomination Form
The Veterans Volunteer of the Year Nomination is for a male and/or female member of your Lodge who may be worthy of receiving this very special award. While we recognize all of our veterans on Veterans Day, there were many Elk members involved in saluting and supporting our veterans. Maybe you have volunteers who help all year long. If there is a strong candidate from your Lodge, please fill out the attached nomination form and return it to me at this email address or mail it to me at 29 Hale Street Ext. Vernon CT 06066 NO LATER THAN JANUARY 31. Your lodge can nominate one female and one male volunteer.
To be eligible for this award, the nominee must volunteer to serve veterans in their state. This can be through the Elks Voluntary Service (aka VAVS) program, as a Lodge Veterans Chair, as a State Veterans Chair, or in another capacity. All Elks members, as long as they are engaged in direct service to veterans and military members in need.
The state winner will receive their award at the CEA Annual Convention on Friday, May 29 at the Sturbridge Host Hotel. The CT state winner will also be considered for the national award. The national winner will receive formal recognition and a $500 grant to be used for the Lodge charitable project of his or her choosing. The National Veteran Volunteer of the Year will also be invited to attend the 2020 Elks National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, expenses paid courtesy of the ENVSC.
Please refer to the nomination form for complete details.
Nationally sanctioned Veterans-oriented projects
Youth/Veteran Volunteer Program: This innovative new program allows us to fulfill our commitment to America’s youth while continuing to serve our nation’s veterans.
Adopt-a-Veteran Program: Like an army of hope, Elks everywhere are living up to their pledge to hospitalized veterans.
Featured Veteran: Two new profiles: Joseph Kowaleski and Tom Layow.
Veterans Leather Program: VA medical centers across the country rely on the Elks for tooling leather used in occupational and recreational therapy.
Veterans Remembrance: Remembering our veterans is a daily proposition for the Elks. Nevertheless, each November we redouble our efforts.
Re-Creation USA: This group of entertainers travels the nation, performing at VA medical centers, and they couldn’t do it without the Elks.
Playing Cards for Veterans: The Elks now offer playing cards for hospitalized veterans
