Hello Tampa Elks!
Once again, I find that I am writing to you from another part of our Great Nation while on Coast Guard Business. Last time (May), it was New London, CT, as I was attending the Chief Warrant Officer Professional Development Course. That was an obviously temporary assignment as it lasted a mere two-weeks. This time, it is more involved, more exhausting and much longer.
For the fourth time since 9/11, I have been called to involuntary Active Duty, this time by order of Title 14 of the US Code. I am on the Gulf Coast in support of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response. Since departing Tampa on July 9th (the day following my return from the 146th Elks National Convention), I have managed to travel as far west as New Orleans, LA and as far east as Port St Joe, FL, where I have been serving as a Task Force Leader for Near-Shore Operations in the oil clean-up. I am supervising and directing a fleet of Vessel of Opportunity Surface Skimmers (VOSS) as this massive response seeks to rid the Gulf of the oil from the Deepwater Horizon MS-252 Disaster that occurred late last April. I find the work is both challenging and rewarding as the days are long (12- hours) and days-off are scarce. At this point, I anticipate that I will return to Tampa in September, but then even that is not a certainty at this point in the operation.
I know that I said I would not use this column as a “thank-you, thank-you. thank-you” platform, but I feel that current circumstances necessitate my doing so. First and foremost, I thank my loyal wife and partner (Theresa) for representing me at our V.P. Visitation, taking the reins for our Christmas in July event and for doing all she does for our home and family in my absence. Addison, Knuckles and Glen get the nod for all of the work they have done in completing the beautification effort of our lodge. PER Steve Harmon receives thanks for stepping in to lead the Visitation, while Leslie Nikkinen receives a hearty “Job Well Done” for planning and chairing the event. I wish I could have been there for all of it.
In all of the turmoil and activity up here, I have still managed to visit several of the Elks Lodges up here. While in Biloxi, MS, I was well received at Lodge 606 on Beach Blvd. (it was just down the street from my hotel) and I managed to visit Fairhope Lodge # 1879 while I was in Mobile, AL. Both lodges made me feel well at home. Naturally, knowing I was going to deploy to the area caused me to visit their hospitality suites while we were in Orlando. I therefore had a face and a name so it was far more enjoyable than “cold call.” I received word early on July 4th that I would deploy to the neighboring Gulf States in support of Deepwater Horizon. That was hours before I was scheduled to depart for the National Convention.
Originally, I was told to report to New Orleans on Tuesday, July 6th, but when I explained that I had an obligation to our lodge and more importantly to you, I was granted an extension. It was well worth it, as I made the most of my short time in Orlando including seconding several important motions and even calling for a Point of Order when discussing one of fourteen resolutions called for by the Judiciary Committee. That was tough, because Florida was seated next to the New Jersey delegation and they were rather loud and boisterous. Still, they were no match when I used my military voice. My daughter Hailey really enjoyed the convention, especially collecting pins from more than twenty states. After all, who could resist her with her angelic face and good manners. She even managed to get one of GER Mike Smith’s pins while taking the elevator in the Rosen Centre Hotel.
You made it through the V.P. Visit without me. While speaking to Theresa on the phone right before the event, it was hard to let go, knowing what I was missing. I truly wish I could have been there. Somehow, Bayou LaBatre, AL while it is an interesting town really wasn’t on my mind. Thank you to all who worked hard and attended.
I mentioned, I knew I had an obligation to you and our lodge to attend the Elks National Convention. It seems that I have many obligations these days. Aside from my obligation to family, friends, our Nation and our lodge, I am always reminded of our obligation to be charitable to our community and to our order. At this point in my term as ER, I know no better way to express my support and devotion to our order than to support our Harry-Anna Trust Fund. While our lodge per-capita target calculates to approximately $6,000 as a lodge, we cannot get there with fundraisers and fish fry's alone. We need our membership to reach into our pockets and purchase Harry-Anna Trust Certificates. You can purchase and or make payments to certificates online by going to www.flaelks.org or you can pop into our lodge office, I am sure Carl Williamson would love to take your money. Either way, you can feel proud that you support Florida’s own Major Project. Remember, that Harry-Anna Trust Fund is the source of funding for Elks Children’s Therapy Services and our Elks Youth Camp.
I will check in with many of you from time to time, and I can always receive e-mail at ajmatthews@tampabay.rr.com, even if I don’t always have time to answer. Still, I look forward to seeing you upon my return.