More photos – 4th Annual Welcome Home Cape Ann Veterans Mission at Gloucester MA Elks Lodge #892

4th Gloucester Elk Lodge #892 Welcome Home Initiative March 18 2018 _130158 ©c ryan (9)
Caffe Sicilia celebration cake

Gloucester and Cape Ann’s generous community join together to pull off this awesome, model initiative. Numerous volunteers prepare for and host on site. The welcome home bundles are loaded up with community business gift certificates and support.

4th Gloucester Elk Lodge #892 Welcome Home Initiative March 18 2018 _130158 ©c ryan (8)

The organizers– Adam Curcuru, Vionette Chipperini, Jayne Morse– and Mayor Romeo Theken welcomed attendees. The guest speaker, Lt General Mark O.Schissler (USAF Retired), and Marcia (Deacon) Schissler  retired here. Marcia grew up in Gloucester. Their enthusiam and positivity are a delight–say hi when you see them! The Lt General urged Veterans to stand on their service, reminding them who they are: “You make sacrifices. You willingly give of yourself and give up time to serve in the military…Hold on to it and move forward…the skills and confidences you build up a little bit over time will be great here and going forward. You’ll help make communities stronger–as strong as they can be…As you prepare for other chapters in your life, you will carry these skills and capabilities in to your next chapter… and the next, always. We honor you today and join together to celebrate and give thanks for your service and talent. This event–look around you…We’ll be there for you, take care of you now…”

4th Gloucester Elk Lodge #892 Welcome Home Initiative March 18 2018 _130158 ©c ryan (27)

Final note from Adam Curcuru, Director Cape Ann Veterans Services

“Great day at the Gloucester MA Elks Lodge #892 for the 4th Annual Cape Ann Veterans Welcome Home Initiative. Welcome Home to all our Veterans and thank you to all our Volunteers, local businesses, and community for supporting our Veterans.” 

4th Gloucester Elk Lodge #892 Welcome Home Initiative March 18 2018 _130158 ©c ryan (28)