Nearly 50 Veterans Go Kayaking On Creve Coeur Lake

CREVE COEUR, MO – “As long as there are veterans, the Elks will be there to support them.” is a longstanding mantra for all Elks lodges. St. Louis Lodge #9 located at 12481 Ladue Road in Creve Coeur, MO is renowned for raising money for a variety of local veteran’s organizations. However, the lodge recently went above and beyond its monetary support with its 2nd Annual “Kayak With a Vet” event held at Creve Coeur Lake. Partnering with Team River Runner’s “Adaptive Rowing Program”, the two organizations support local veterans by letting them have a little fun out on the water with kayaking adventure.

According to retired US Army Veteran Otis Rice, “I’m a double amputee above the knee, and it doesn’t matter…I still get in the boat and I love every minute of it. This is a wonderful event for Vets to bond and have fun.”

The program not only allows veterans the chance to have fun, but also informs them of the numerous resources available to them through local veteran’s support organizations. This year, the free event was open to the public, with 22 local veterans support organizations attending; showcasing their individual missions and providing information to veterans, their families and the general public.

Tim Brennan, St. Louis Elks Lodge #9 Kayak With a Vet Committee Chair said, “This is such a great community awareness event. In only our second year, we increased the number of veterans who attended as well as the number of support organizations. Through a grant from the Elks National Foundation, this event also allows us to provide Team River Runner with some new equipment for their rowing program. It’s a great way to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for us.”