[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 45 (Thursday, March 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        ELKS CLUBS CREATE ARMY OF HOPE TO HELP MILITARY FAMILIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN P. MURTHA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 2003

  Mr. MURTHA. Mr. Speaker, in a shining example of how Americans pull 
together in times of crisis, the Elks USA has pledged its support of 
the families of Reservists and National Guard Members who have been 
called to active duty. The Army of Hope, comprised of volunteers 
coordinated by the Elks, will assist families with all sorts of needs 
to ease their stress and financial burdens.
  This could not be a more welcome and needed gesture of support and I 
am pleased to place the attached letter from the Elks to the President, 
of which I received a copy, into the Congressional Record. We should 
all applaud them for their patriotism. This is a trying time for our 
military families. Supporting them is one of the most patriotic things 
we as Americans can do.


                                                     Elks USA,

                                  Richland, WA, February 21, 2003.
     Hon. George W. Bush,
     President of the United States of America, The White House, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. President: The families who have a father or 
     mother in the military reserves or National Guard called to 
     active duty during our War on Terrorism and the current Iraq 
     crisis will experience severe economic burdens as well as 
     emotional stress. As National President of the one million 
     men and women who comprise the Benevolent and Protective 
     Order of the Elks, I am writing to express our organization's 
     support of these families.
       Mr. President, the Elks have mobilized the volunteers as an 
     Army of Hope. We are teachers, lawyers, accountants and 
     health workers. We are carpenters, electricians, mechanics, 
     plumbers and tradesmen of every type. We are the hearts and 
     hands of our communities. We will help with the kids, make 
     minor home repairs and provide other assistance to these 
     families of our service men and women as they attempt to keep 
     hearth and home together during these trying times.
       I cannot begin to stress to you our Order's willingness and 
     preparedness to lend any further assistance as directed. We 
     are committed to do everything you request of us and for 
     these valiant people and their families. Mr. President, 
     please know the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks 
     is here for our nation.
       Pledging you the full support of the men and women of the 
     Elks, I remain,
           Sincerely Yours,

                                                Roger R. True,

                                               Grand Exalted Ruler
                                             (National President).




                          ____________________