Veterans

2024

November 4th our Veterans Services Committee (aka VSC) presented $1,000 to Heroes Care whose Mission is, “At H.E.R.O.E.S. Care, our mission is to provide unwavering support to military members and their families throughout their journey. We offer comprehensive assistance from pre-deployment to post-deployment. We strive to proactively address challenges such as mental health, family reintegration, and crisis intervention. Our goal is to ensure that no military family feels alone, and that they receive the care and support they deserve. Together, we are committed to making a difference in their lives”

Pictured L to R – Brandon Dunman (Heroes Care – Vice President), Dave Roeth (Saint Louis Lodge #9 – Leading Knight + former Veterans Services Committee aka VSC Chairman)
During the May 20th lodge meeting the Veterans Services Committee of Saint Louis Elks Lodge #9 presented a $1000 check to the Battledawgs ( https://www.battledawgs.org ).

Pictured L to R – Ryan Jennings (Exalted Ruler), Zach Payne (Battledawgs – Team Leader), Michael Fleishour (Inner Guard, Missouri Benevolent Trust + Kayak with a Vet – Chair)
During the May 20th lodge meeting the Veterans Services Committee of Saint Louis Elks Lodge #9 presented a $600 check to the Gateway PGA Reach ( https://gatewaypga.org/pga-reach )

Pictured L to R – Ryan Jennings (Exalted Ruler), Douglas Couch (PGA Reach – Director of Development & Community Service), Michael Fleishour (Inner Guard, Missouri Benevolent Trust + Kayak with a Vet – Chair)

During the April 29th ‘New Years Eve’ Steak Night the Veterans Service Committee (aka the VSC) donated $1000 to Duo Dogs. Pictured L to R – David Roeth (Lodge Esquire & former VSC Chairman) and Tammy Milster (Due Dogs volunteer and spouse of #9 member Jeff Milster).

Duo Dogs trains and connects dogs to people with specific physical, emotional, and social needs, creating a dynamic, life-enhancing duo. ( https://duodogs.org )
During the April 29th ‘New Years Eve’ Steak Night the Veterans Service Committee (aka the VSC) donated $1000 to Forgotten Coast K9 (aka FC KP). Pictured L to R – David Roeth (Lodge Esquire & former VSC Chairman), Angela Luna (daughter of Mary Enderle), Jake Enderle (son of Mary Enderle, Lt. in the USMC), Mary Enderle (Missouri Liaison for FC-K9), Sophie (FC-K9 PTSD Dog that was assigned to Mary’s husband, USMC Veteran who passed away in 2018 as a result of injuries sustained in combat)

At Forgotten Coast K9, our goal in to provide training and Service Dogs to Veterans and First Responders through corporate and private donations ( https://www.forgottencoastk9.org )
During the April 29th ‘New Years Eve’ Steak Night the Veterans Service Committee (aka the VSC) donated $1000 the Kaufman Fund. Pictured L to R – David Roeth (Lodge Esquire & former VSC Chairman) and Gary Havel (Community Services Director – Kaufman Fund, #9 member).

The Kaufman Fund aids Veterans with life’s basic necessities through food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and more. ( https://www.thekaufmanfund.org )
During the April 29th ‘New Years Eve’ Steak Night the Veterans Service Committee (aka the VSC) donated $1000 to Little Patriots Embraced. Pictured L to R – David Roeth (Lodge Esquire & former VSC Chairman) and Carol Watanabe – Director of Little Patriots Embraced).

Little Patriots Embraces – Since 2001 more than 2 million children have had a parent deployed at least once. and this directly impacts their emotional and physical life. Our goal is to make sure that these children receive support, recognition, and skills, so they can thrive. ( https://www.littlepatriotsembraced.org )
During the April 29th ‘New Years Eve’ Steak Night the Veterans Service Committee (aka the VSC) donated $600 to MO Vets Embraces. Pictured L to R – David Roeth (Lodge Esquire & former VSC Chairman) and Bo Bowens – Co-Chair of MO Vets Outdoors).

MO Vets Outdoors is focused on Veteran mental health and suicide prevention by ways of comradeship and outdoor activities ( https://www.facebook.com/MoVetsOutdoors )
During the April 29th ‘New Years Eve’ Steak Night the Veterans Service Committee (aka the VSC) donated $1000 to Camp Hope.

Camp Hope is a retreat for military veterans wounded in the War on Terror. William “Mike” White and his wife Galia, created Camp Hope as a tribute to their son Christopher, who was killed fighting for our country in Iraq. The mission of Camp Hope is to honor the fallen by helping the wounded. We offer all expenses paid adventures and comradery for our service men and women that gave selflessly for our freedoms. Situated in rural Farmington, Missouri, approximately 80 miles south of St. Louis, Camp Hope is located in the heartland of America. With cool streams, winding creeks, granite boulders, gravel paths, tall trees and an abundance of wildlife, there is plenty of open space ( https://www.camphopeusa.org )
During the April 29th ‘New Years Eve’ Steak Night the Veterans Service Committee (aka the VSC) donated $600 to PGA Reach.

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, led by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations, so the cost of programming is free to all Veterans.

PGA HOPE has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which enables direct referrals to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy ( https://www.pgareach.org/services/military )

2023

Want to celebrate Veterans Day along with fellow members of Metro East District 4780?  Either meet the Trailer + Trolly at Affton Lodge #2635 ( 6330 Heege Road, Saint Louis MO 63123) Saturday November 11th by 8:00am, or meet the group at Maggie O’Brien’s (2000 Market Street, Saint Louis MO 63108), or find them at Parade Assembly (Unit #36) by 10:30am.  Contact Carol Meatte ( [email protected] ) for further details.

Past VSC (Veteran Service Committee) Chairman. From L to R – Steve Milla, John Winkler, Mark Setlich, Brett Mosley, Bob Cameron, & David Roeth

2022

Friday January 28th the Veterans Committee hosted a Fish Fry

2021

Verteran Committee Overview

The Veterans Committee of Lodge number 9, is committed to aiding and assisting Veterans on three levels:  Elks National Funding, local and non-local organizational funding and direct assistance.  We are very proud to be a part of the $70M of revenues, goods and services provided through the Elks National Foundation, equally honored to contribute on average $6-$10K towards organizational funding and most gratified when contributing to our local heroes in their time of need.  

We strive to put the Veterans at the forefront of our Lodge.  Individually and collectively we host many functions annually to raise funds like our annual Kayak with a Vet, Clay Shoot, BBQs, Fish Frys, Freedom Brats, a month long Elktoberfest and dinner, and sales and raffles of various items; all of which contribute to our funding  vital needs for Veterans.  We also obtain grants from our Elks National Organization to support special projects.

Everyone knows of a Veteran.  Perhaps you are one, perhaps a family member, neighbor or friend.  We strive to “have fun” in all our endeavors and should you have an interest in our Veterans Committee we certainly welcome your enthusiasm.  

These are some of our past donation experiences/activities:

  • Joshua Chamberlain Society donations, sponsoring Bike for Heroes and Volleyball competition.
  • Visits and donations of goods, food and entertainment to local Veterans Homes.
  • Hosting veterans to the St. Louis Air Show.
  • Hosting and conducting annual Kayak with a Vet events.
  • Hosting Sportsman Dream Hunt for Veterans
  • Donations to H.E.R.O.E.S Care, Got Your Six, Six Strings for Heroes, Team River Runner, USO, Patriot Guard, Disable Veterans of America, Mission 22, Fisher House, FOCUS Marine, Wreaths across America, Pearl Harbor Fund and individual veterans in need.

We have a place for you and your ideas and welcome both.  Please do not hesitate in asking any questions.

Robert Dixon / PER – Current Chairman
[email protected]

Bob Cameron / Lecturing Knight
[email protected]
Chairman Emeritus

Steve Milla
[email protected]
Chairman Emeritus

Brett Mosley
[email protected]
Chairman Emeritus

David Roeth / Esquire
[email protected]
Chairman Emeritus

Mark Setlich
[email protected]
Chairman Emeritus

John Winkler – Capt USN (retired)
[email protected]
Chairman Emeritus


Elks National Veterans Service Commission – St. Louis Elks Lodge #9 Kayak with a Vet