The Lake Oconee Elks Lodge chuckwagon crew and lodge volunteers visited the Georgia War Veterans Home (GWVH) in Milledgeville April 22 to grill beer brats and hamburgers for veterans at the home.
Twenty-three volunteers from Elks Lodge 2849, based at 871 Harmony Rd., Eatonton, made the trip to Milledgeville to serve 55 veterans and eight support staff at the home. GWVH Executive Director Dennis Mise, Activities Director Michelle Flood, and each member of the support staff expressed appreciation for the Elks’ contribution to the wellness of the veterans in their care. Mise said the State of Georgia has committed to funding the opening of the Russell Building this August with $2.64 million going toward the first fiscal year. The Home is engaging new staff members in three stages of 40 each to be ready to receive new patients, he added.
The state also has appropriated additional funding for 20 more patients in the Wood Building, bringing to 162 the total housed there.
This represents a major elevation of commitment and support from the State of Georgia, and Lake Oconee Elks Lodge Veterans Chairman Mike De Petrillo said he and his committee will plan a special event to celebrate this grand opening once it comes.
— Contributed