Recently, the City of Franklin dedicated Veterans Walk, a walkway on the west side of the Elks Lodge on Jefferson Street featuring metal art vignettes, updated brickwork, and mounted flags. The exterior is a beautiful tribute to local veterans for their service to the community and the country.
On the other side of the brick wall is a group committed to serving and honoring veterans through action. The Franklin Elks Lodge Veterans Committee consists of around 20 volunteers. Surprisingly, many are not veterans themselves but are dedicated to supporting those who served in the military.
What this small group achieves is impressive. Ranked at the top of the Elks statewide in giving, last year alone the committee donated $48,700 to charities. While their focus is on local veterans and meeting basic needs, they also support a variety of veteran-related projects. The committee provides luncheons at the local Armory, purchases 60 winter coats for Roudebush VA Hospital, and provides move-in kits for H.V.A.F. (Helping Veterans and Families) in Indianapolis, as well as winter coats for homeless veterans in the Indianapolis area.
Last year, 15 volunteers helped build an accessible ramp to a veteran’s home with SAW (Servants at Work, Inc.), a faith-driven charitable organization. Other beneficiaries included Scout Troop #245, Indy Honor Flight, and local veterans referred by churches and county trustees.
Every Tuesday, the committee serves dinner to Elks members from 5:30–6:30 p.m. In addition to the weekly dinner, they host an annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner, open to the public and serving as a key fundraiser. They also participate in beer gardens at the city amphitheater during special events.
Mike Hill, a Vietnam Army veteran, joined the committee 15 years ago after moving across the street from the Elks’ previous location. At that time, the committee had only three members. Hill is personally invested in growing the committee and has witnessed increased member involvement and service projects.
Brad Skeel, the current committee chair, introduced Hill as the previous chair and an expert mentor guiding him in leadership. Skeel, not a veteran, traces his family’s military service back to the Civil War and has a strong patriotic commitment. His dedication is shared by other members—during a recent weekly dinner, a $100 donation came from the 50/50 winner. Skeel said such generosity is common; attendees not only purchase $10 meal tickets but leave additional tips.
The Franklin Elks Veterans Committee clearly lives up to the pledge: “As long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.”
To learn more about the Franklin Elks Veterans Committee or donate, contact Brad Skeel at b.skeel@comcast.net.
