Tustin Veterans Outpost supported by Elks Lodge

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The Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 visited the Tustin Veterans Outpost on Monday, January 17th to show their appreciation and support.  Lodge Members served residents a complete steak dinner and a dessert buffet with a plethora of homemade goodies.

Elk Roy Southerland was on hand to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and afterward entertained everyone with his wonderful voice. The Elks also gave military-themed blankets which were supplied and made by the special needs students of Esperanza High School, to each Veteran in attendance.

The Elks really appreciate all who volunteered for this event and would like to thank Rich Encinas (Event Chairman), his assistants Carole Allen and Greg Glick, Sandie McClure, Kathy Andrews, Kelley and Mike Van Dyke, Roy Southerland and his fiance Debbie, Marian Russo, and Carol Caputo. This event would not have been a success without them.

Tustin Veterans Outpost opened its doors to homeless veterans and their families in June 2016, offering transitional housing for up to 71 people, along with veteran-specific services. In addition, Tustin Veterans Outpost incorporates the resources and award-winning programs at Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope, providing comprehensive services to guide, equip and empower homeless veterans so that they may heal from past trauma and re-build their lives through mental health services, education, vocational training, workforce development, financial literacy, among others.

For more information on Tustin Veterans Outpost, contact Jesus Loza Cruz at jesus.lozacruz@rescuemission.org.

The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 is celebrating 52 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of eight (8) lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (“BPOE”) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 154 year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share”

Vet resident Midori with her two children Dona and Kian

Rich Encinas serving Laverne Johnson the pastor’s wife

 Article by Sheryn Howlett, Veterans Committee Chairwoman

Submitted By: Sandy Gruzdis, Elks PR Team Member
Photos Credit: Dave Safley-Modern Pics

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