By Kate Fry, Chief Executive Officer at America’s Blood Centers Every two seconds in America, someone needs blood. Blood transfusions are needed every day to treat patients with acute care needs such as trauma, as well as for ongoing disease management, including cancer, inherited blood disorders, cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeries, and organ and bone marrow transplants. In addition, 1 in 7 people entering a hospital depend on a ready and available blood supply. Despite its importance, our nation’s blood supply remains under immense strain. The COVID pandemic has led to the loss of many ..read more

My name is Rene Villalobos. I am currently a new Program Associate for the Elk National Veterans Service Commission and am fitting in nicely with the team. I am a 5-year active-duty combat veteran of the Marine Corps, with two deployments to Afghanistan and travel on ships to a few other countries during my service. I was an artilleryman during my time in and wouldn’t trade it for any other job besides helping my fellow veterans out now that I am out. Echo 2/12 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan (Rene located farthest to the right) Since getting out back in 2012, I have dedicated my time to volu ..read more

Richard Ellis Hill Did you know that more than 40% of Elks members are veterans? Take a look at the results of a recent survey done by the Elks magazine for more information. To highlight some of these members, we’re starting a new series called The Service Continues. The first veteran and Elk to be featured is Richard Ellis Hill, currently the Exalted Ruler of Coalinga, Calif., Lodge No. 1613. Hill volunteered for the Marine Corp in May 1967. He was in the 1st Battalion, 5th marines, 81 mortars. After boot camp he was sent to Vietnam Quang Tri  in September 1967. In November 1967 he was ..read more