Veterans Committee
Women Veterans In The News
Members of New Hyde Park-North Shore Elks #2107 proudly partnered with Long Island Cares for their inaugural Women’s Veterans event. The day began with Veterans Chair Anthony Vitale, Secretary Kathleen Lang, Tiler Regina Vitale, and member Suzanne Fountain setting up tables and chairs on the lawn for a welcoming lunch. Essentials such as toothpaste, body wash, deodorant, cleaning supplies, and sanitary products were thoughtfully arranged for the attending veterans. Elks members greeted guests and assisted with their “shopping,” ensuring each veteran felt supported and appreciated. Numerous veterans support groups were also present, offering guidance and resources.
After enjoying a delicious meal of pizza and barbecue, the event concluded with a generous gesture: Veterans Chair Anthony Vitale presented a $1,000 Beacon Grant to Justin Berbig, Veterans Outreach Coordinator, and Fern Summer, VetsWork Life Skills Specialist. This grant will help further their vital work with both men and women veterans.
2025 Veterans Barbecue at St. Alban’s
For many years, Robert Giglio was the official “watermelon cutter” at the annual St. Albans veterans picnic. Responsibility has now passed to John Nuzzi, who honored Robert by posting past photos of him at work.
The Lodge used a $1,000 Freedom Grant in May 2025 to seed Long Island Cares newest program being developed for women veterans. Women veterans are the most forgotten. This grant money will be used specifically for women’s needs: feminine products, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, razors and blades, and bodywash. The program will launch in the fall. Pictured with Long Island Cares VetsWork LifeSkills Specialist Fern Summer are Frank Cappa, Ralph Scherillo, Regina Vitale, and Tony Vitale.
Our Lodge continues to support our veterans, attending the 2025 Valentine’s Day lunch and our monthly bingo game at St. Albans.
Photos from various events held for the Veterans at St. Alban’s throughout the Fall and winter of 2024-25, including monthly Bingo games, Christmas and Birthday parties.
The Lodge honored the tremendous service of its Vietnam Era veterans at their May 2024 meeting. As Americans and Elks, we respect their valor and service and will forever be grateful to all of them. 24 of the 32 vets were able to come to the ceremony. Fern Summer, Vets Life Skills Specialist at Long Island Cares “welcomed home” our men. It was a moving ceremony, complete with tears, attended by family, friends and Elks. Many thanks to our Veterans Chair PDD Robert Giglio and Veterans Co-Chair Anthony Vitale for organizing this special ceremony.
The Lodge received a $2,000 ENF Spotlight Grant which was presented by Veterans Chair and PDD Robert Giglio to Justin Berbig, Veteran Outreach Coordinator and US Army Veteran. The Market is part of Long Island Cares Veterans Project, which offers food assistance, programs, education and advocacy for veterans.
With PDD Robert were PER Jose Jacob, Kathleen Lang, Regina Vitale, Anthony Vitale, and Frank Cappa.
NHP-NY Lodge donated a $1,000 Freedom Grant to Long Island Cares-Veterans Project which helps LI veterans experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity. Pitcured (l-r) Kaylin Peterson, Philanthropy Manager; PER Tom Staab; PDD Robert Giglio; ER Chris Petrella; Michael Haynes, Vice-President; Tony Vitale; Kathy Lang; and Regina Vitale. Not pictured: PER Joe Sanchez and PSVP Brian Diaz
