In celebrating the July 4^th holiday and the country’s 250^th anniversary, please remember that we remain free only becuase some of our citizens stood up to defend us. These veterans, particularly those who are disabled and not adequately taken care of by our countries, need and deserve our respect, thanks, and help.

We had a successful fundraiser in April, and that, along with our ENF grant of $10,000 (thank you, Doris) should assure that we have adequate funds to continue our veterans services until the 2027 fundraiser.

We provided furniture and kitchen supplies under our ENF grant to over 85 veterans and newly stationed Coast Guard enlisted men through June, with the most recent donationsand furniture/kitchenware distributions coming less than a weejk ago.  Furniture continues to come in, but we have room for a lot more, based on a few large distribtions to veterans and veteran families in May and June  Wehave had some things coming in, which I have picked up with the help of other Elks (thank you, Marco and Marie in particular.) We could still use more,which I will have to pick up with help until August, due to restrictions (automatically imposed) on my driving imposed due to a fall in May. I do have other Elks to help me, thank the Lord.

In addition to our usual target of furniture and kitchen supplies, we could also take in a guitar or two if one is offered, as these can provide a wealth of re-centering for some of the veterans who can play music. I had a couple of guitars, but they have been taken, and the source for those guitars has dried up.

Please reach out to veterans you see. A kind word of thanks for their service, particularly for those with PTSD, can make a world of difference.

I can be reached by e-mail at behrcredserv@yahoo.com  or by phone at 415-453-4321.

Peter Behr

Veterans Chairman

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