Veterans Services Update – June Booster
We had a successful fundraiser in April, and that, along with our $10,000 ENFgrant (thank you, Doris), should ensure that we have adequate funding tocontinue our veterans services through the 2027 fundraiser.
Through mid-May, we provided furniture and kitchen supplies under our ENF grantto more than 80 veterans and newly stationed Coast Guard enlisted personnel.Additional furniture and household goods distributions continued into June.Furniture donations continue to arrive, and we have room for more, thanks toseveral large distributions in May, including one for a mother and her fourchildren.
We continue to receive donated items, many of which I have picked up with thehelp of fellow Elks—especially Marco and Marie. Thank you both. We can stillaccept additional donations, preferably after mid-month, when I expect to bereleased from driving restrictions following a fall in May. As many veteransknow, getting a timely VA appointment, particularly with a specialist, cansometimes be challenging.
In addition to furniture and kitchen supplies, we would gladly accept a guitaror two. For veterans who play music, a guitar can provide a valuable source ofcomfort, focus, and healing. The guitars we previously had available havealready found new homes, and that donation source is no longer available.
Please take a moment to reach out to veterans you encounter. A simple word ofthanks for their service—especially for those dealing with PTSD—can make aworld of difference.
Because this information remains important and is not widely known, I amrepeating several resources that may help veterans and their families:
1. Veterans Treatment Court
There is a specialized court program for veterans dealing with PTSD, substanceabuse, and related challenges. The goal is to help veterans receive treatmentand support rather than simply move through the traditional justice system. Ihave attended sessions and was highly impressed. Kudos to District AttorneyLori Frugoli and her team for this outstanding program. I recently learned thatone veteran who completed the program is now enrolled in school.
2. Veteran Funeral Honors
A fellow Elk serves as a volunteer Chief of Chaplains and is available toassist with veteran funeral services, including arranging for a bugler andmilitary honor guard. If an Elk family member is a veteran and wishes toreceive full military honors at burial, I would be happy to make theintroduction.
3. Agent Orange Benefits
The VA now recognizes a number of additional medical conditions associated withAgent Orange exposure and is offering both medical treatment and disabilitybenefits. I maintain a list of these newly recognized conditions and havealready referred several veterans for assistance. I also forward informationabout new benefits to veterans we have served whenever updates becomeavailable.
4. Boots to Books
“Boots to Books” is an organization that helps returning veterans witheducation and employment opportunities. We have referred a number of veteransto this program.
5. Marin County Veterans Services
Marin County has one of the finest Veterans Services Officers I haveencountered. Sean Stephens (415-473-6193) does an outstanding job helpingveterans access the benefits they have earned.
If you know a veteran who could benefit from any of these resources, pleasereach out.
Contact:
Peter Behr
Veterans Chairman
Email: behrcredserv@yahoo.com
Phone: 415-453-4321
