Cape Henlopen Elks host dinner to honor veterans
In recognition of Veterans Day, Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540 of Lewes held a dinner banquet to thank its members who served in the military. In all, 47 veteran members and their spouses attended, with another 47 also joining in the festivities.
Presented by the lodge's veterans committee, the program included the presentation of colors by Cape Henlopen High School JROTC cadets; singing of the national anthem and more patriotic songs, recitation of the pledge of allegiance and a chaplain’s blessing.
Committee Chair Robert Trafton acknowledged the nonprofits it supports including Stockings for Soldiers, Home of the Brave, Stand Down, Frets4Vets, Healing Waters, Delaware Veterans Home, Race4Warriors and veteran scholarship funds for Delaware Technical Community College.
In addition to Cape High cadets and First Sgt. Philip Webb, NCO, special guests included retired U.S. Army Maj. Peter Servon, who served in the Middle East war; retired Brig. Gen. Karen Berry of Delaware National Guard, now a veterans advocacy specialist at Delaware Tech, and her husband Michael Berry, Delaware National Guard adjutant general and Delaware State Police retiree; and speaker Michael Bellerose, retired U.S. Air Force chief master sergeant, current first officer and pilot for American Airlines, and Race4Warriors board member, along with his wife Kym Bellerose.
Background music during dinner was provided by DJ Sherman Newton.
Bellerose took the podium and read passages out of Letters From the Front Lines: Iraq and Afghanistan. In the published letters, active military members stationed in the Middle East describe their personal experiences and the feelings of missing family back home.
Elks member Gene Schellenberger, retired U.S. Coast Guard member, told the crowd his granddaughter, a U.S. Air Force captain, was forever grateful for receiving her first care package from the Cape Henlopen Elks.
Organizers extend special thanks to organizer Dan Celia, kitchen staff Chef Steve Ingleses and Debbie Roberts; and Nancy Bush and new member Noreen Beam for their contributions.
