Our pledge to keep

So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will not forget them.

Lodges all over our state take part in projects to support veterans in their communities. These can range from veterans’ day dinners and regular veterans social opportunities to help end veteran homelessness by working with community partners to distribute hundreds of welcome home boxes with essential household items for veterans transitioning from homelessness to stable housing.

We also provide ongoing assistance to the Oregon Veterans Homes in both The Dalles and Lebanon each year. Lodges do local drives for items requested from the homes and then those items are brought to the summer convention. From there they are divided and taken to the homes. We have also done statewide sock drives. Besides the two homes, we support four VA hospitals and five VA clinics in our state area. Flag Day ceremonies are always a highlight where we honor those who have served. Many lodges lend support to National Guard units in their area. Through lodge fundraising efforts and grants, veterans have been taken on boat outings, kayak trips, given food baskets at Christmas, clothing, a place to go for lunch, made resources available, picnics, etc. This is just scratching the surface on what we do to show our appreciation for those that have served our country.

Today, volunteers give endless hours in direct service to both active and retired military personnel and families. Bingo at the hospitals is always a great event where volunteers show their support and have fun. Their dedication is to be commended for all they do! Check out some of the veterans projects from lodges around the state below.

Below you will also find a listing of various resources for veterans and their families.

Welcome home Boxes

The Salem Lodge and the Milwaukie-Portland Lodge both partner with community agencies such as Easterseals Oregon, VetCare, and Honoring Heroes who work to transition homeless veterans into stable housing. The lodges then provide welcome home boxes consisting of essential household items such as dishes, pots & pans, silverware, towels, shower curtains, and more to the veteran when they move into their new housing. These two lodges have been leaders in Oregon for this program assembling hundreds of these welcome home boxes over the last several years.

“With the items I received from the Elks I was able to cook a real dinner for my kids in my own place for the first time in their lives”
— Formerly homeless veteran

Veteran’s Social Groups

Hood River Lodge hosts a monthly Veteran's Social Group.  We feed our local veterans a free meal, provide free beer (generously donated by our many local breweries) and create a space where our local veterans can back slap, tell old war stories, and learn about resources and programs that may benefit them from our guest speakers.

Veterans Resources

The Oregon State Elks Association is committed to honoring and supporting our nation’s veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families. The following resources are provided to help connect veterans and their loved ones with information about benefits, healthcare, support programs, and other services.

Third Party Resources Disclaimer: The links provided below direct visitors to external websites and resources operated by government agencies, nonprofit organizations and other third parties. These links are provided for informational purposes only. Inclusion on this page does not constitute and endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee by the Oregon State Elks association of any organization, service, product, or information provided. OSEA does not control the content, accuracy, availability, or practices of these external resources. Visitors are encourage to independently evaluate any services before using them.

Oregon Veterans Resources

Federal Veterans Resources

Additional Veterans Resources

  • National Resource Directory
    Connect with a national directory of programs and services supporting wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers.

  • VA-Accredited Representatives and Veterans Service Organizations
    Learn how VA-accredited Veterans Service Organizations, attorneys, and claims agents can assist veterans with filing benefits claims, navigating appeals, and understanding their rights. 

  • Military Caregiver Resources – Department of Defense
    Access a Department of Defense caregiver resource directory containing information about support programs, services, and assistance for those caring for wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans.

  • Make the Connection – Veterans Mental Health Resources
    Explore veterans' personal stories, mental health information, treatment options, and resources designed to help veterans and their families find support and encouragement. 

  • Veterans Crisis Line
    Connect with trained crisis responders who provide free, confidential support to veterans, service members, and their loved ones 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
    Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255 for immediate support.

  • Mesothelioma & Veterans – The Mesothelioma Center
    Find information about military-related asbestos exposure, mesothelioma treatment, potential VA benefits, and financial or legal assistance for affected veterans and their families.