Before November 2020, we received a request from a Masonic brother, who is deployed, for a Christmas package for his unit. He specifically asked for Shemagh scarves, which are approved for military use but are not military issue. The scarves protect our military personnel from the blowing sand and can also serve as a mask.
At their respective November stated meetings, Covert Lodge No. 11 and Trinity Chapter No. 299 OES requested donations and agreed to team up and purchase 50 of these scarves. We also purchased allowable treats and shipped all these items to the unit. This project was completed in 4 weeks. Any donations received in excess of the expense for this project were to be donated to the Nebraska Grand Lodge Masonic Veterans Partnership.
Packages were delivered to the brother’s unit on the week of Thanksgiving. At Covert’s December stated meeting, Covert brethren voted to add funds to the excess received for the project and donated an even $200 to the Masonic Veterans Partnership.
In gratitude for the efforts, the military unit arranged for Trinity Chapter and Covert Lodge each to receive a Certificate and a US Flag.
These will be on display at West Omaha Masonic Center. We thank all who contributed to make this endeavor successful.
In top left picture: Edgar Flores, Worshipful Master of Covert Lodge No. 11 and Ranilo Perez, Worthy Patron of Trinity Chapter No. 299 OES. (Brother Ranilo is also Senior Steward of Covert Lodge No. 11.)
In top right picture: Maril Hauber, Worthy Matron of Trinity Chapter No. 299 OES and Bernie Hauber, Secretary of Covert Lodge No. 11.