Armed Service Case Study

In late March, I traveled to Washington, D.C., the epicenter for the armed services and veterans’ affairs government agencies. Joined by Paul Helsel, Elks Past Grand Exalted Ruler, and Government Relations team members Shawn Bullard and Jennifer Naaden, we met with half a dozen top military and veteran officials during my three day trip.

In these meetings, I received resounding gratitude and admiration for the Elks work in honoring and supporting the military and veterans. The leaders expressed their desired to deepen our partnership by joining them in assisting with two challenges. First, numerous veterans, while talented and skilled, are struggling to find employment. Frequently employers misunderstand a veteran’s skill sets and how to best utilize them. This confusion has led to an increase of homeless veterans. Second, there is a lack of awareness amongst the National Guard Bureau and its servicemen and women of the many Elks’ programs for their members, veterans and families.

How can your lodge alleviate these problems? The answer will vary lodge to lodge, but there are a few particular solutions. Your lodge could facilitate career fairs, host workshops for business leaders on how to translate a veteran’s skills into business success, and provide veterans
This has created many difficulties for National Guard soldiers and families as they lack the support and morale of active duty forces. Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau Lieutenant General (LTG) Hokanson asked for greater collaboration between National Guard units and local lodges. LTG Hokanson has shared information on the Elks’ programs and encouraged his Adjutant Generals to form relationships with Elk lodges in their communities. I ask you to do the same by reaching out to your local guard units engaging them on how your lodge can support the