Message from the President
|
2026-2027
WV Elks Association President MARTIN KIMBALL Wheeling Lodge #28 I want to send out a huge thank you to every member and every Lodge of the West Virginia Elks Association, especially to my home Lodge, Wheeling #28. All of the support and encouragement you have given me over the years has been a blessing that truly touches me. I need to give my biggest thank-you to my loving wife, Rosalie, my teammate, who has supported and stood by me during this exciting journey through Elkdom. This would not have been possible without her, and I feel that you have elected her right alongside me.
|
I owe so much to so many fellow members whose shoulders I stand on, who have provided me with invaluable advice and helped guide me along the way. From PGER Ted Hess to Past State Presidents to regular members -- each of you are deeply appreciated. There are too many to name without fearing leaving someone out. You are not just fellow members; I am proud to call each of you my friend, the highest honor I can give you.
My theme this year is “Put a little Elks in your heart”. Being an Elk means many different things, but mostly it is showing our love for all of our fellow Americans. This is what motivates us and is the key reason we joined the Elks, the premier fraternal organization in the United States. We have chosen to lead our lives dedicated to helping others, guided by our core principles. For all of the hard work we do to help our fellow citizens, there is always room to grow that love. As much as you already do, I am asking you to make that extra effort and add just a little more Elks in your heart so we can achieve even greater goals. I know we can accomplish that.
My theme this year is “Put a little Elks in your heart”. Being an Elk means many different things, but mostly it is showing our love for all of our fellow Americans. This is what motivates us and is the key reason we joined the Elks, the premier fraternal organization in the United States. We have chosen to lead our lives dedicated to helping others, guided by our core principles. For all of the hard work we do to help our fellow citizens, there is always room to grow that love. As much as you already do, I am asking you to make that extra effort and add just a little more Elks in your heart so we can achieve even greater goals. I know we can accomplish that.
Through all of the many different efforts we do each year, two important groups deserve our help. The first is our youth, who are the future of our world. It is our obligation to do our best, to teach them, guide them, and help them become productive citizens who can continue making the world a better place. They are the tomorrows we dream about; let's give them as much support as we can.
All of this, in fact, our very way of life would be impossible without the rights and freedoms that were fought for and earned for us by our Veterans. They have sacrificed so much and continue to pay a high price for us to have the freedoms we enjoy today. It is a debt we can never fully repay. They must never be forgotten and always be celebrated. Veterans make excellent Elk members; seek them out and involve them in your lodge. I am very proud that last year the state association recognized what a great honor it is to have a Naval vessel named after our State. Our association last year became the sponsor of the USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), whose crew is thrilled and grateful to have us standing with and supporting them. They are outstanding ambassadors for our state. This is an exciting partnership; please think about ways we can improve our efforts to not only support them but also every veteran who has served our great nation.
The Elks National Foundation is critical to our future successes. Recent announcements that the number and value of grants are increasing show that it works for everyone. Your continuing support will help many future generations of Elks continue our work. There is so much more yet to be done. We face many challenges, but by working together with all of our community partners, we can make a difference. Meeting GER Klatt’s goal is a key part in making this happen.
This year we will witness an important milestone as the United States celebrates our 250th birthday. Show your patriotism, be involved in commemorating this special event, and make it the best one ever. Paraphrasing John Adams, “there should be pomp, parades, festivals and illuminations” to mark this day. Let the Elks help lead the way.
Thank you again to each of you for your support and trust. It is a great honor to represent all of you. Rosalie and I are at your service, and we are looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible this year.
Fraternally yours,
Martin Kimball
All of this, in fact, our very way of life would be impossible without the rights and freedoms that were fought for and earned for us by our Veterans. They have sacrificed so much and continue to pay a high price for us to have the freedoms we enjoy today. It is a debt we can never fully repay. They must never be forgotten and always be celebrated. Veterans make excellent Elk members; seek them out and involve them in your lodge. I am very proud that last year the state association recognized what a great honor it is to have a Naval vessel named after our State. Our association last year became the sponsor of the USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), whose crew is thrilled and grateful to have us standing with and supporting them. They are outstanding ambassadors for our state. This is an exciting partnership; please think about ways we can improve our efforts to not only support them but also every veteran who has served our great nation.
The Elks National Foundation is critical to our future successes. Recent announcements that the number and value of grants are increasing show that it works for everyone. Your continuing support will help many future generations of Elks continue our work. There is so much more yet to be done. We face many challenges, but by working together with all of our community partners, we can make a difference. Meeting GER Klatt’s goal is a key part in making this happen.
This year we will witness an important milestone as the United States celebrates our 250th birthday. Show your patriotism, be involved in commemorating this special event, and make it the best one ever. Paraphrasing John Adams, “there should be pomp, parades, festivals and illuminations” to mark this day. Let the Elks help lead the way.
Thank you again to each of you for your support and trust. It is a great honor to represent all of you. Rosalie and I are at your service, and we are looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible this year.
Fraternally yours,
Martin Kimball
