Many of you probably heard or saw on the news, (CNN or Good Morning America, etc.) about a building collapse in the town square of Clinton, Missouri last night. The building, was an Elks Lodge, and had been built in the 1800's. There were around 50 people in the building at the time of the collapse. 40 were able to get out, while 10 more were trapped in the rubble. Today, what is left of the mortar and brick is in a heap where the building once stood, and a community grieves at the loss of the life of one man, Tony Komer. Tony was the 32 year old "exalted ruler" of the Clinton Elks Lodge, and the only one who was killed in the incident-he leaves his wife Sara Jane and 2 sons ages 2 & 5.
You may think it odd that I am including this story in my military support blog, but I assure you that it is with good reason. For those of you who are not familiar with the Elks Organization, they are "The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the USA". They have more than a million members in more than 2,100 local lodges nationwide, and they are very active in Veterans' Services. They show their unwavering commitment to veterans through several projects, including things like their "Adopt-a-Veteran" program, their "Veterans Leather Program", and their program to provide Comfort Care Kits to veterans. They are also dedicated in service as a collecting partner to the Library of Congress for the Veterans' History Project.
The Elks pledge: "So long as there areVeterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks willnever forget them." To learn more about the Elks and how you can volunteer for projects to benefit our nations' veterans, click on any of the above links. Click here to learn more about the Elks Veteran Memorial.
Click here to leave a message of support/encouragement for the family and friends of Tony Komer and the members of the Clinton, Missouri Elks, Lodge #1034.
A memorial fund has been set up asTony Komer Memorial Fund for Tony's children. Donations can be mailed to the bank c/o Citizens Union State Bank P O Box 646 Clinton MO 64735.
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4 comments:
Thank you for posting a way to send a message to the family and friends.
Thank you for supporting this family at a very tragic time in their lives.
this is such a sad thing to have happened. clinton is a small town but there has been so much support shown by all who live here, from volunteers who helped to clear rubble and aid in rescue efforts, to those who offered their prayers and moral support, and those who have been there for the family and etc. thanks for posting this.
I did not know the Elks do so much for our vets. It is good thatyou shared this with us. I feel sorry for the man's family and will keep them in my prayers.
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