[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 168 (Thursday, November 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO NORTH FORT MYERS ELKS LODGE #2742

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CONNIE MACK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 1, 2007

  Mr. MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the North Fort Myers 
Elks Lodge # 2742 for their tireless and dedicated service to Southwest 
Florida's veterans.
  The Elks are committed to the ideals of charity and patriotism and 
have a long tradition of supporting service projects throughout their 
local communities. No lodge fits this ideal better than the North Fort 
Myers Elks Lodge #2742, who will be recognized for their service to the 
Southwest Florida veterans community next week at the Florida Elks' 
State Convention in Orlando.
  Since 1917, the Order of Elks has pledged to never forget our 
nation's veterans. The men and women of the North Fort Myers Elks have 
taken the Elks' pledge to heart. Their record of service to the 
veterans of Southwest Florida is inspiring and worthy of commendation.
  Over the last several years, the North Fort Myers Elks have served 
over 14,000 hot meals and provided over $107,000 in food items, 
necessities and clothing to the region's homeless veterans; have logged 
over 90,000 miles transporting veterans to the Bay Pines VA Medical 
Center in Bay Pines, Florida; and have repeatedly been recognized by 
the national Elks organization for their service to veterans, taking 
first place four years in a row.
  We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to those who have served 
our country valiantly, and the North Fort Myers Elks have shown their 
community what compassion and service to our nation's veterans truly 
means.
  I'm honored to represent these caring and hardworking individuals in 
Congress, and thank them for their efforts in making Southwest Florida 
a great place to live, work and visit.

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