Elks Lodge 2247 in Searcy is dedicated in upholding the Elks pledge, “So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” Elks are known for their charitable services and the drive to strengthen community. The Searcy Elks Lodge held an appreciation dinner for local veterans and their spouses on Saturday, July 27, 2013. “Our veterans deserve to be honored for their courage and sacrifice they gave our country in order to defend our freedoms,” said Tammy Phillips, chairperson for Veteran Services at Elks Lodge 2247. “The spouses of our veterans endured much suffering having to be left behind to take care of the home front and they deserve to be recognized as well.” The afternoon began with Ritchie Varnell’s band, Homebrew, playing music for the more than 100 guests. The Elks Lodge served tender pork loin with a mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes, green beans cooked in bacon and onions, rolls that were donated by Colton’s in Searcy and colorful cake topped with whipped cream. The Elks Lodge was decorated with military flags: POW, Honor and Remembrance flag (given by the Freedom Warriors Riding
Association of Arkansas) and The United States flag. The tables were set with white linen tablecloths, white dishes, blue glasses, and red, white and blue centerpieces. Along with the food and nicely arranged decorations, Judge Michael Lincoln, Paul Bunn of the DAV 63 in Pleasant Plains, and Don Coots, first Arkansas state vice president of the Elks Lodge, all spoke of veterans’ service and how people can better help them when they return home from war. A Missing Man Table was also set up at the dinner, which was reserved to honor our missing comrades in arms. Sgt. 1st Class Jeffery Frisby, Sgt. Alfred Hobby, Sgt. Jonathan Bostic and Spc. Houston Dorman of the 39th Battalion served as Color Guard for the occasion. The Freedom Warriors Riding Association of Arkansas, whose mission is to work with all veterans and their families and fulfilling their needs, escorted several veterans and spouses to the dinner from River Oaks Village. They also helped with serving, cooking, cleaning and speaking on behalf of the veterans. Many guests were moved by the event, saying it brought back bittersweet memories.
“Our veterans deserve to be honored for their courage and sacrifice they gave our country in order to defend our freedoms...” – Tammy Phillips
54 Your Hometown Magazine