On November 12th, the Coventry-West Greenwich Lodge #2285 Veterans Committee hosted their Annual Veterans Luncheon for 170 Veterans and their guests to pay tribute to our Veterans of all military branches. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks made a solemn pledge, “So long as there are Veterans, the Benevolent and Protective order of Elks will never forget them”. This annual dinner is just a small token of appreciation to Veterans from all militaries and all wars and conflicts.
Presentation of the colors was conducted by West Bay Composite Squadron, Coventry and the Lodge had the pleasure of the 88th Army Band Jazz Ensemble who serenaded the crowd throughout the afternoon. Dan Hebert from Dan’s Place provided a delightful meal of short ribs with all the fixings. In attendance were Senator’s Raptakis and Kettle, Exalted Ruler Annette McKay, State Veterans Chairman Frank Dolan, Lodge Veterans Chairman and Trustee Lori Ashness, our MC and Leading Knight Donald Swanson, Chaplain Gerald Richardson and Keynote Speaker Kasim Yarn, the Director of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Yarn gave a heartfelt message to all Veterans and their families – a promise that all 72,000 Veterans in this state, will be taken care of.
Each year the committee accepts nominations from around the state and recognizes Veterans from each war; WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm/Desert Shield and the Global War on Terror. This year, the committee had the pleasure to recognize Ernest Imondi – WWII Veteran, Thomas Daily – Korean War Veteran, and MSgt Charles Allegretta – (GWOT) OEF/OIF Veteran. Each of the awardees received both legislative and lodge recognition.
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Article written by: Lori Ashness-Committee Chair
