California Freemason - August/September 2010

OPERATION GREATEST GIFT

Special thanks

The World War II Memorial is a tribute to the Greatest Generation who risked their lives to defend the freedoms and system of democracy we enjoy today. Dedicated in Washington, D.C. in 2004, the memorial honors the 16 million who served in the U.S. armed forces, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home.

Since mid-April, 366 veterans from California have visited the Memorial through Operation Greatest Gift, funded and organized by the Masons of California. For many veterans, the trip was the first time they were recognized for their service, and it was a life-changing experience.

The trip also changed the lives of those who stepped up to help. Operation Greatest Gift kicked off fundraising at the 160th Annual Communication in October 2009. Immediately, donations began to flood in – and continue to do so today. Those who accompanied the trips as volunteer guardians have called Operation Greatest Gift their proudest moment as a Mason.

“I never expected my life to change so
drastically on a three day trip,” says volunteer
captain Thomas Gray. “As a captain, I
experienced our nation at its best.”
Turn to page 10, “Heroes’ Tribute,” to
read more from veterans and guardians who
experienced Operation Greatest Gift.

Since mid-April, Operation Greatest Gift has funded and organized trips to D.C. for 366 veterans. A total of 116 volunteer guardians accompanied the trips, led by 20 captains. We thank all volunteers for their hard work, patience, and dedication.

Guardians
Volunteer captains
Lawrence Altomare
Jeff Bear
Trisha Bear
Michael Bear
Otha Cotton
Thomas Gray
Tom Hafeli
Joyce Hahn
Jordan Horowitz
Doug Ismail
Dick Kellogg
Vincent Lape
Randy Pangelina
Seth Parker
Merritt Read
Robert Ross
John Scofield
Wil Smith
Khalil Sweidy
Richard Whitlock

$10,000 and up Heartland No. 576 Mission No. 169 Vesper No. 84

San Diego No. 35 California No. 1 Metropolitan No. 352

Donors

More than 160 California Masons and 80 lodges made a charitable gift to the project. We thank all whose generosity made Operation Greatest Gift possible.