EDITOR:
The Elk's Lodge did it again, by sponsoring an impressive and successful benefit concert for our veterans: A thank-you for their service. The program and concert, held at St Gall Pastoral Center on Veterans Day, saw a wonderful turnout of about 370 veterans, their families and guests.
The entertainment was provided by Bobby Freeman "Flaming Rockin' Piano" at no cost, thus, the Elk's were able to offer this event complimentary to the Veteran's and their families.
After welcoming comments, and by show of hands, we were honored by the attendance of a few Veterans' from World War II, several from the Korean War, and many from the Vietnam War. There was representation from all major service groups, including the Army, Air Force, Army Air Corps (1), Navy and naturally an excited group of Marines.
The program opened with a beautiful video clip of the songs of the armed services from the DVD entitled "Love" by Re-CreationUSA. This fine group of young volunteers performs for all veteran's hospitals in the United States each year, and the national Elk's foundation provides material support by underwriting the travel expenses.
Presentation of colors was smartly done by the Douglas High School JROTC Color Guard, and their instructor retired Master Sgt. Gary Collier. Father Nathan, St Gall's Parochial Vicar, provided a compelling invocation and then Gold Star mother Sally Wiley, who lost her son in Iraq, was introduced.
Guest speaker Command Master Chief and Senior Enlister Sailor, Troy Cox from Fallon Naval Strike Air Warfare Center provided comments and perspective appropriate to the Veteran's Day event and a beautiful description of Old Glory.
A second, very moving video clip about veterans, "I fought for you" was shown, and then it was show time.
Bobby Freeman generously entertained the audience with a popular mix of great and original music, stories, and a lively tunes on his 'Flaming rockin Piano" The audience got into it, resulting in unusually stylistic and high energy dancing.
An Elk's appreciation award was presented to Bobby Freeman, and the program closed with all singing 'God Bless America' accompanied by an excellent Gene Simmons ('Kiss') video.
The thanks:
Success of this event was made possible by a significant effort by The Record-Courier in making the veterans and public aware of this event. Many thanks to St Gall for making their facilities available, for Father Nathan's Invocation and especially the help of Greg Taylor with all the setups and DVD presentations. Also thanks to the wonderful Douglas High JROTC Color Guard and guest speaker Command Master Chief Troy Cox of Fallon. Lastly, thanks to Elk John Cole, master of ceremonies and creator of this event, and to all the other Elk volunteers.
Tom Zogorski
Tahoe-Douglas Elks Lodge exalted ruler
