Freemasons Support Veterans and Community
Credit: Bro. Edward A. Fox
This spring, Masons in south-central Pennsylvania have been working together to help local residents get through some tough times. In the past few weeks, Brothers from District 2 have been visiting hospitals and homes to answer requests for assistance, and to provide some relief.
Bro. Matt Dohner, of Brownstone Lodge No. 666, Hershey, took an envelope full of grocery store cards to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. There, he presented them to SGT Bonnie Henry. Bonnie is an Iraq War veteran suffering from a bone marrow disease. She is receiving platelet replacement infusion in preparation for the extended treatment road ahead. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania’s “Help for Our Heroes” program sets money aside for assistance to any and all veterans. The grocery cards came from that fund, and SGT Henry said that it was greatly appreciated, and would help her family make ends meet while she’s unable to work.
Alicia Hoover, of Millersburg, was recently in the battle of her life with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Her lungs were getting constricted by growing amounts of scar tissue. Eventually, without a double lung transplant, she was going to suffocate. After over 2 years on the transplant waiting list, this 31-year-old mother of 3 finally got her new lungs. When word of her struggle, and slow but steady recovery, got to members of Susquehanna Lodge No. 364, Millersburg, they jumped into action. Teaming up with other nearby Lodges in District 2, they were able to present Alicia with a check for $5000. The funds will help her get back up to speed by paying for medications and other out of pocket expenses.
Bro. Jeffrey C Lehman, District Deputy Grand Master for the 2nd Masonic District said “The goal of Freemasonry is to make good men better, and the charity work we do is a direct result of that process.” Coming together for the larger goal of brotherly love and relief is a Mason’s charge. Making an impact is its own reward; one that Masons everywhere seek every day.
