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Boy Scout Troop 822 presented the Colors to open the Elks program.
John Hernandez | Miner
San Manuel High School Alumni Tom Miller, Louis Cox, Alan Vicars and Jim Miller were on hand at the San Manuel Elks Thanksgiving Dinner. John Hernandez | Miner
Some of the veterans honored at the San Manuel Elks Community Thanksgiving Dinner. John Hernandez | Miner
San Manuel Miner
The San Manuel Elks Lodge served a Thanksgiving dinner to the public and honored Veterans on Sunday Nov. 22, 2015. Tom Miller opened the festivities with a welcoming speech, talking about all the great things the Elks do for the community including annual events like the graduation night party, kids’ Christmas party, and providing Christmas gifts for veterans at the V.A. Hospital in Tucson. Did you know that last year the Elks presented $6,500 worth of Christmas gifts to veterans? Tom said their goal is $7,000.
Following the presentation of the colors and Pledge of Allegiance led by Tri-Community Boy Scout Troop 822, State Senator Barbara McGuire spoke. She talked about her love for veterans and said that legislation was being introduced to make Arizona a Purple Heart state in honor of veterans. Carmen Casillas, Democratic candidate for the House of Representatives for District 8, also spoke. Both ladies volunteered to work the serving line at the dinner.
The veterans in the room were then asked to stand and be honored. They were given special veteran key chains and applauded by all those in attendance.
Other out of town volunteers were Al Skorupski, Arizona Elks First Vice-President; Mary Shaffer, State Representative Veteran’s Home in Tucson; and Al Stevenson, Southern Arizona District Veterans’ Chairman. Three former San Manuel residents and SMHS Alumni drove up from Tucson to help with the event. They were Louis Cox, Alan Vicars and Jim Miller.
The Elks do many wonderful things throughout the year for the Tri-Community. They are also currently looking for new members. The only requirements they have are that members must be U.S. citizens and at least 21 years of age. If you are interested in joining or would just like to help out at events like the Thanksgiving dinner for veterans, call the lodge at 520-385-4041.
Up next for the Elks is the annual children’s Christmas party which is set for Sunday, Dec. 20, 1-4 p.m.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
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