Pulaski honors one of their own on 4/25/10

On April 25th members of the Pulaski Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks traveled to Salem , VA to the Virginia Veterans Care Center as part of a service mission. This care center is designated for military service men and women who are citizens of Virginia. Pulaski Lodge Members members paid a visit to one particular resident. Mr. J. B. Brillheart Jr. of Pulaski. Lodge Veterans Committee Chairman Leslie Turpin and Lodge Exhaled Ruler Jim Chitwood presented Lodge Brother Brillheart with a special Elks lapel pin for service and as an honor to his  leadership  of the Pulaski Lodge. Brother Brillheart was awarded a 60 year member lapel pin and a (special struck) PER (Past Exalted Ruler pin ) from the Pulaski Lodge. Also as an active member he was also presented with his 2011 membership card (see photo)

Less than 2 weeks later J B passed away.

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Front: J. B. Brillheart, Jr."PER" (" being  awarded his 61st member card") 

Back Row:Leslie B. Turpin  and Jim Chitwood ER.    

J B was as a true and loyal Elk , even more important J B was also a charter member of the Greatest Generation. He helped get this nation through even tougher economic times than we are seeing now. He answered the call to fight for his nation, and wore the uniform of the US Army. After the War he along with countless others rolled up his sleeves and and help build this nation into one of envy. He raised a son, and daughter. Paid his taxes and supported and contributed to our community in many ways. He and the others of the greatest generation molded and shaped our politics and our nations laws to fight communism and injustice. He helped make our future safe.

If you were born during the 40's or 50 's you were most likely diapered , fed, taught, mentored, educated, and disciplined by a member of the Greatest Generation. Who of us can say we did not benefit from them? None! not one of us, I reckon. Even if your birth date and age means your parents or grand parents were the ones who were the direct benefactor. The Greatest Generation dedication , sacrifices, and accomplishment were monumental. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to them and the so few who are left.

My Lodge Brother J B came home and hung up his uniform in 1945 . This messge is to  honor stems from his dedication to his family, community, and country. J B and the ones of his era deserve a holiday at the least our deepest thanks. Please start today by thanking that neighbor, family members, or the person in your circle of acquaintances, for doing with out and doing with very little in that terrible depressing time of the 30's. The sacrifices they went thought in the 40's. For rebuilding our nation, making it safe, and raising a whole new generation.

After taking this photo we each shook his hand and thanked him for his service and dedication to our nationand our Lodge. He had a big smile on his face, I believe our visit made his day brighter. I hope he realized his days made out future possible.

Sincerely

Gary Cox

Lodge Secretary 1067