Woodmen Life chapter helping to bring Homeward Bound retreat closer to reality

The officers of WoodmenLife chapter 1024 based here in Tupper Lake were both happy and joyous to be able to put the money of its members to work in assisting the campaign of Homeward Bound Adirondacks to build its new veterans retreat center. Presenting HBA president Mark Moeller (right) with a giant $10,000 check on the steps of Community Bank last week were from left WoodmenLife officers Phil Wagschal, Joanne Wilber, Rick and Judy Wilburn and John Ellis. (Dan McClelland photo)

by Dan McClelland

A $10,000 gift was made last week to the campaign of Homeward Bound Adirondacks to help it build its new retreat to help disabled veterans recover from their injuries. The major donation was made by the officers of Tupper Lake's WoodmenLife Lodge Chapter 1024.

The giant-sized version of the check was presented last Monday by the lodge's board to Homeward Bound chapter board chairman, Mark Moeller on the steps of Tupper Lake's Community Bank. Friday marked Mr. Moeller last day as bank manager on the occasion of his retirement.

The following is a statement released with their gift to Homeward Bound last week by the WoodmenLife lodge officers: John Ellis, Phil Wagschal, Judy and Rick Wilburn and Joanne Wilber.

“As the pandemic goes on, it creates different needs in our communities. In many ways, it makes things worse, like the situations of homeless people, that less fortunate veterans or their families face when it gets colder outside, and the needs of every day living and medical support. So local chapters of WoodmenLife across the nation are making it just a little warmer with more help in our 'Shelter with Care' campaign.

“Even though we have suspended all in-person community activities, we are still living out our values, like supporting our communities in other ways during these uncertain times. Your future Adirondack Veteran Retreat Center in Malone project is perfect! The additional services you are providing also shows your cause is leading to results!

“We want people to know that WoodmenLife is here to lend a hand, so we were encouraged as a chapter to make monetary donations to homeless shelters or other organizations that assist anyone in need. Certainly, the addition of your capital campaign for the retreat center site and your increased essential services now in our North Country area is remarkable! Your group, simply put, is the vital link to fulfilling the multiple needs of our veterans through advocacy. Perhaps our donation on behalf of all WoodmenLife members in our communities will honor our veterans that your projects serve.

“Please accept this $10,000 donation from your local WoodmenLife chapter 1024 in order to to help support the capital campaign and everyday services you provide. Thank you for your board leadership, multiple volunteers and the staff at Homeward Bound Adirondacks. Your efforts bring our veterans a brighter and warmer day. But more importantly, helping them to independent living is where you shine!”

About WoodmenLife chapter 1024: Since April 1, 2019 the WoodmenLife fraternal chapter or members' community support connection was re-organized. Its officers are John Ellis, president, Phil Wagschal, vice president, Judy Wilburn, secretary, Joanne Wilber, treasurer and Rick Wilburn, auditor. The group's mailing address is P.O. Box 1136, since it has no physical location at this time.

The chapter's area of service is basically all of Franklin County and nearby areas where chapter members reside. The chapter board meets four times a year to transact business. However, during the pandemic there have been no public gatherings of the membership or the board, which operates electronically.

WoodmenLife was founded in 1890 as a not for profit. The organization gives back to its nearly 700,000 members, who are joined together in a shared commitment to family, community and country.

In a letter last month Mark Moeller appealed to the community for help with its current project, the creation of a permanent home on its recently acquired 105-acre tract south of Malone.

The new place will be called the Sgt. Carlton A. Clark Veterans Center. Sgt. Clark of Vermont was a 22 year old member of the 101st Airborne Division killed in Baghdad, Iraq killed in 2006 during combat operations.

In his letter Mr. Moeller wrote that “almost two decades of war has taken its toll on the many individuals serving our country in uniform. PTSD, depression, anxiety, isolation, traumatic brain injuries, physical disabilities and intolerable rates of suicide has brought us to a critical point.

“To address the needs of our veterans, Homeward Bound Adirondacks (HBA) was formed. It is a private, community-based not for profit veterans' service organization located in Saranac Lake. With a small, dedicated board of volunteer directors and a mental health professional who serves as our executive, we are focused on helping veterans and their families.

“Funding for all we do comes from grants and through the generosity of donors who believe in our mission. We are proud to boast an overhead of less than 3%. That means over 97% of all the money we receive directly benefits veterans. Over the years we have been able to provide referrals to community services, transportation to medical and mental health appointments, emergency grants and assistance for veterans and their families including those facing homelessness, hunger and thoughts of suicide, restorative weekend retreats that provided hope and healing for hundreds of veterans dealing with the physical and mental injuries resulting from their services to our country. These retreats are free of charge to the veteran and offered through the support of our donors.

“How can you help Homeward Bound Adirondacks? HBA has begun a capital campaign to build the structures needed on our new property to host weekend retreats for up to 20 people. Donations will help HBA to develop and maintain a retreat site in the Adirondacks which means HBA will reach more veterans in need.

To support the mission of HBA, people are asked to visit Homewardboundadirondacks.org and hit the donate button. Donations of any size are appreciated and begin at levels of $25.