Welcome to the NSEA National Veterans Service Commission's Resource Center. Several of our Grand Exalted Rulers have stated that in their travels, they found those associated with the National Veterans Service program to be the most dedicated of the dedicated. Furthermore, many Chiefs of Voluntary Service at VA Medical Centers have told us, "Whenever we want something, we can count on the Elks."

   In each of the 172 VA Medical Centers there is an Elk committee at work. Literally, thousands of Elks and their families give generously of their time, energy and resources so that the lives of our ill and aging veterans will be enhanced. Hundreds of thousands of hours and like numbers of dollars are devoted to programs that are designed to keep us true to our pledge: "So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them." And now we've broadened our program to include outpatients and veterans who are homeless.

   The purpose of this online resource center is not only to inform the public and our own members of our good works, but also to help our Veterans Service chairmen and committee members live up to our pledge. We've tried to answer the questions most often asked and to spell out the responsibilities of chairmen on all levels. We've also included suggestions to strengthen your program.

   Our goal is to make the Elks the most visible force in voluntary service to our veterans. Hopefully this resource center will be useful in that quest.

   The Nevada State Elks Association prides itself with the work it performs in support of the Veterans of Nevada. With our many projects, Elks and Helpers have contributed over 6,200 hours of volunteer service and traveled nearly 71,000 miles to serve nearly 5,900 Veterans. The monetary value of these contributions to nearly $16,000 in cash, over $103,000 in non-cash items, over $121,000 in volunteered *hours and over $36,000 in ** miles traveled for a total of over $276,000 for Lodge year 2007-2008. * The Federal Government has determined that cost of work done by charitable organizations like the Elks would average $19.41 per hour if performed by social care and governmental agencies. **Mileage computed at $0.51 per mile.