On Thursday, September 17, 2024, our Membership Luncheon was hosted at the All American St. Louis Elks Lodge #9 and sponsored by Jeffrey Bunten. Jeffrey Bunten Attorney at Law has been helping clients for over 25 years. He specializes in helping Veterans' with their legal concerns and advocating for individuals to receive their social security benefits. We began by recognizing our Veterans and saying the Pledge of Allegiance. After hearing a few words from our host and sponsor, we presented plaques to the following new members (pictured above from left to right):

• Robert Bird with REB Enterprises
• Shari Cobb with Grand Canyon University
• Matthew Collins with Your Daily Perk
• Mark Mueller with Mueller Law Solutions
• Paul Rose with St. Monica Preschool
• Ragan Andrew, CTP with Adrift Tours and Travel
• Yvonne Wesa with Great Water (second membership with the Chamber)

After enjoying a great lunch catered by Butler's Pantry and networking at our tables, we recognized Wayne Kaufman for his work with The Kaufman Fund and shared that he will be inducted into the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame on Friday, October 25, 2024. Next we introduced our speaker, Ricky Elcan. Ricky is a retired Command Sergeant Major of the United States Army Reserve with an impressive military career spanning several decades. He continues to serve our community and holds leadership positions at the American Legion Post 397, the VFW Post 3944, and volunteers with The Kaufman Fund. Currently he chairs the Food for Vets program and serves as the Veterans Outreach Ambassador with the The Kaufman Fund.  CLICK HERE to read his bio.

Before concluding our luncheon Ricky Elcan helped us take a moment to remember some of those Veterans we lost, as well as, recognizing the needs of those who have returned home from duty. Our community and nation can never thank our Veterans enough for the service and sacrifices they have made for our country and our freedom.

Click Here to See Pictures from our Membership Luncheon taken by Kevin McCarty with McCarty Photography.