Montana State Elks Association and Beartooth Elks Lodge #534 Work with Neighbors and Veterans’ Associations to Help Local Disabled Veteran
By Gordon Sirrine, President, Montana State Elks Association
In August 2024, I was contacted by Lou Myers, a veteran from Nye, about a local disabled Veteran in Stillwater County who was in need of a new roof on his home. After verification of eligibility, I made contact with Fortify, a roofing supplier in Billings, about the situation. Because the roofing was for a disabled Veteran, the management team at Fortify decided to provide the roofing materials at a significantly discounted price.
I then reached out to the Montana State Elks Veterans Committee Chair and requested funding to support this project. In addition, I contacted Red Lodge Beartooth Elks 534 requesting their financial assistance with this project. Together, both groups provided the funds necessary to purchase the new metal roofing from Fortify Building Solutions for the disabled Veteran.
Red Lodge Beartooth Elks Lodge 534, has a member that is the local leader of “Operation Second Chance”. After I shared information about this project with him, he contacted his team who provided additional funds for the disabled Veteran to use as needed.
In October the roofing material was on site for installation. J&T Roofing graciously donated time and labor to complete the project.
On behalf of myself, the Montana State Elks Association and Beartooth Elks Lodge #534, I would like to thank Lou Myers for reaching out to help this Veteran, Fortify for providing the roofing, J&T Roofing for donating their time and efforts, and Operation Second Chance for providing added relief to one of our Nation’s heroes.