Visually Impaired Veterans’ Harbor Cruise

The 5^th Annual Visually Impaired Veterans’ Harbor Cruise took place on Wednesday, September 18, at the Newport Harbor Elks Lodge #1767. Fifteen veterans and six aides from the Blind Rehabilitation Center (BRC) of the Long Beach Veterans Hospital enjoyed an afternoon harbor cruise on pontoon boats provided and captained by members of the Newport Harbor Elks Lodge.

The day began with a light breakfast and coffee, and social time with 20 Elk volunteers. The volunteers then helped the veterans make their way down the dock ramp to the boats. Wheel chairs, walkers and white canes didn’t interfere with the veterans getting loaded onto the boats. They easily maneuvered the gangway and the roomy pontoon boats made it easy for all, including aides and lodge volunteers to enjoy the ride.

When the veteran’s returned from the cruise, they were treated to a lunch of fried chicken, sandwiches, all the picnic style trimmings and a variety of desserts. Bryan Baker, Lodge Exalted Ruler, and Angela Anderson, Lodge Veterans Chairman, spoke a bit about Elkdom, how proud the lodge was to host the annual event, and thanked them for their service to the country. Then Liz Greco, Veterans BRC Coordinator, thanked the lodge for hosting this fun event and encouraged the veterans to say a few words. Many of the veterans had attended this event before and stated that they feel this is a wonderful event and something they don't get to do.

At the end of the event and as the veterans made their way to their bus, they received a gift bag with snacks, a $10 Subway gift card and a $80 Target gift card. All provided by funds from the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant. The Elk volunteers felt proud to hand them that parting gift, and the veterans totally appreciated the Target gift card so that they could get what they wanted.