Elks donate to County Veterans Commission
Pictured from left are: Steve Good, lodge secretary; Jack Patterson, president of the County Veterans Commission; Exalted Ruler Marilyn Griffis; and G.W.Griffis, Elks Life Member. Good and Griffis went on the Honor Flight in June and agreed it was a very moving and memorable experience.
COSHOCTON – The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is celebrating its 150th birthday. Each lodge was able to apply for an anniversary grant of $1,500. The Coshocton Elks decided to donate the money to the Coshocton County Veterans Commission for their work with the local veterans. The funds are earmarked for the Honor Flight Columbus.
“To the Elks, thank you,” said Jack Patterson, president of the Coshocton County Veterans Commission. “This will be put to good use. It’s always good we can do things for the veterans in Coshocton County. It feels good that I can personally do things for the veterans and this is a big help. This is most certainly appreciated.”
Veterans who have signed up and are able to go are also given a voucher for an overnight stay at a local hotel near the airport and a voucher for dinner. As the veteran has to be at the airport at 5:30 a.m., these vouchers are much appreciated.
Steve Good, a Korean War veteran who served in the United States Army, went on the honor flight in June of this year.
“I just thought it was a wonderful experience,” said Good. “The way they treated the veterans was just wonderful. I’d never been to Washington D.C. before and seeing the changing of the guards was fantastic. The response we got from the people we came into contact with was wonderful. I recommend if anyone gets a chance to go to definitely do it.”
The Elks know that the county office has limited funding and wanted to help with the vouchers so more local veterans can go on the flight.
G.W. Griffis, veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. and soldier at the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, had the opportunity to go on the honor flight.
“It was fabulous,” he said. “They bent over backward for us. The recognition we got at the airport when we came back, I couldn’t believe it. There were kids there giving us cookies and candy, women were hugging us, and people were waving flags. I was amazed.”
Griffis was also awarded three purple hearts during his time serving this country.
Patterson said the money will be taken care of through the Coshocton County Veterans Commission but will go through the Coshocton County Veterans Council. The council meets once a month and is in charge of the Memorial Day Parade, Veteran’s Day activities, and the honor guard. In addition to being president of the Coshocton County Veterans Commission, Patterson is also the commander for the Coshocton County Veterans Council.
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