Message from the President
|
2025-2026
WV Elks Association President WILLIE HYLTON Lewisburg Lodge #1758 I want to thank the West Virginia Elks Association, Lewisburg Lodge #1758, and all the Lodges in our State, for the support they’ve afforded me on my journey to become the President of the West Virginia Elks Association. Most of all, I would like to thank my loving wife, Patty for her love and support through my involvement in the West Virginia Elks Association.
|
I want to thank the West Virginia Elks Association, Lewisburg Lodge #1758, and all the Lodges in our State, for the support they’ve afforded me on my journey to become the President of the West Virginia Elks Association. Most of all, I would like to thank my loving wife, Patty for her love and support through my involvement in the West Virginia Elks Association.
Many of our members have provided guidance and mentoring to me on this journey to the presidency. I would especially like to thank, Dennis Rudd, PER, for recruiting me to the Elks, 42 years ago. I would also like to thank Archie Brackens, PDDGER and PSVP SOUTH: Bernice Brackens, PDDGER: Rick Romano, PSP & Grand Lodge Special Deputy to the Grand Exalted Ruler: Randy Stephens, PSP: Dennis Hayes, PSP: and Walter Ice, PSP for their support and guidance.
I will have two main themes this year in my goal to make the WV Elks great again.
My first theme is "Veterans are Never Forgotten." As a major precept of our organization, we are reminded at our meetings by VP North Marty Kimball, as chairman of our Adopt-a-Veteran Program, to plan an event to include and honor our Veterans. Our Veterans have given to our Nation in order to make us a thriving country. I would ask that all Lodges honor them by getting veterans involved in your Lodge and let them know that they matter.
My second theme is "Recruit Younger Elk Members." As an example, my lodge in Lewisburg has an average age of 66.18 years. We love to recruit all ages for our membership in our Lodges, but we need to look to the future and try to recruit younger members so we may pass down our wisdom for them to carry on.
As most Elk members know, ENF is my passion. My goal is to have our Lodge win the most dollars in the state. I challenge all Lodges to meet the GER per capita of $5.00 per member. If you meet your Per Capita, you will automatically qualify for the Gratitude Grant. ENF also gives back more in grants than is given so that you may help your community.
Once again, thank you to all for your support as West Virginia State Elks President. Patty & I hope to make you proud and to be a shining example of a West Virginia Elk.
Thank you,
Fraternally yours
Willie Hylton
Many of our members have provided guidance and mentoring to me on this journey to the presidency. I would especially like to thank, Dennis Rudd, PER, for recruiting me to the Elks, 42 years ago. I would also like to thank Archie Brackens, PDDGER and PSVP SOUTH: Bernice Brackens, PDDGER: Rick Romano, PSP & Grand Lodge Special Deputy to the Grand Exalted Ruler: Randy Stephens, PSP: Dennis Hayes, PSP: and Walter Ice, PSP for their support and guidance.
I will have two main themes this year in my goal to make the WV Elks great again.
My first theme is "Veterans are Never Forgotten." As a major precept of our organization, we are reminded at our meetings by VP North Marty Kimball, as chairman of our Adopt-a-Veteran Program, to plan an event to include and honor our Veterans. Our Veterans have given to our Nation in order to make us a thriving country. I would ask that all Lodges honor them by getting veterans involved in your Lodge and let them know that they matter.
My second theme is "Recruit Younger Elk Members." As an example, my lodge in Lewisburg has an average age of 66.18 years. We love to recruit all ages for our membership in our Lodges, but we need to look to the future and try to recruit younger members so we may pass down our wisdom for them to carry on.
As most Elk members know, ENF is my passion. My goal is to have our Lodge win the most dollars in the state. I challenge all Lodges to meet the GER per capita of $5.00 per member. If you meet your Per Capita, you will automatically qualify for the Gratitude Grant. ENF also gives back more in grants than is given so that you may help your community.
Once again, thank you to all for your support as West Virginia State Elks President. Patty & I hope to make you proud and to be a shining example of a West Virginia Elk.
Thank you,
Fraternally yours
Willie Hylton
