Pictured from left: Jeff Naslund, Lisa Naslund, State Chairman of the Elks National Veterans Service Gary Barrett, State President Roger McQueen, Past State President Les Fister.
Iowa Elks Association members in attendance. Pictured from left: State President Roger McQueen, Past State President Les Fister, State Chairman Elks National Veterans Service Gary Barrett, Johnny Wright, State Sergeant at Arms Alan Armstrong and State Chaplain Robert Iske.
Iowa Elks Association helps sponsor Operation Engage America
On Saturday June 20, 2015, the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines, hosted the second Operation Engage America event. This was one of only two held nationwide. The Capitol rotunda was the venue for nearly 300 Veterans and supporters along with more than two dozen resources. Resources available were everything from horse therapy and service dogs to mental health and job services.
Jeff and Lisa Naslund of Galva Iowa has suffered a loss no parent wants to face, the loss of a child. Dillion Naslund served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The depression and the demons from his days of combat followed him home.
Dillion battled with Post Traumatic Stress and tried to do it on his own. In December of 2012 his life ended in suicide.
Following this unimaginable loss, Jeff and Lisa connected with a couple in California that had suffered this same loss and it’s grief. And so Operation Engage America was born.
A very informative field of speakers were present to voice their support and recall experiences they have had with people suffering from PTS.
The keynote speaker was Lisa Naslund who enlightened the group gathered to the enormity of this growing problem. It is reported that 22 people PER DAY end their lives in suicide while suffering from PTS. For more information please go to: http://operation-engage-america.org/. The Iowa Elks Association donated $200 to Operation Engage America to help further their work in helping those that suffer from this problem.
Members from the Shenandoah Lodge joined others from the Iowa Elks Association in providing support and encouragement to those present. Members from Shenandoah Lodge that were present were State President Roger McQueen, our Esquire, State Sergeant at Arms Alan Armstrong, our Secretary and State Chaplain Robert Iske, our Chaplain.
Remember to always “Seize the Opportunities”
