North Carolina
Department of Administration
| Pat McCrory, Governor | Bill Daughtridge, Jr., Secretary |
| Date | May 6, 2014 | Contact | Chris Mears, Public Information Officer |
| Release | Immediate | Phone | xxx-xxx-xxxx |
North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs Thanks Elks Associations for Supporting NC Veterans
RALEIGH – May 6, 2014
Ilario Pantano, Director of the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs (NCDVA), was the keynote speaker for the NC State Elks Association Spring Convention on May 3 in Asheville, NC. There, he expressed thanks on behalf of the NCDVA to the national, state and local Elks Associations (the Elks) for their partnership and continued support of veteran residents at NC State Veterans Homes.
“The Elks have taken the initiative to ensure that our most vulnerable senior veterans are provided-for in a way that should make all North Carolinians proud,” said Pantano. “From adopting veterans during the Christmas season to providing televisions and travel buses, the generosity of the Elks is heartwarming. Their continuous day-to-day support and interaction with our veterans is incredibly valuable and ensures that our heroes are not forgotten.”
In 1917, the Protective and Benevolent Order of the Elks dedicated themselves to serving veterans by building the first veteran hospital in support of the war efforts of WWI. This support has continued both domestically and internationally with each US war and conflict. Their veteran outreach effort continues today in North Carolina as the Elks have donated countless volunteer hours and over half-a-million dollars in resources towards NCDVA’s NC State Veterans Homes.
“Every year, throughout the year, the Elks are one of the greatest supporters of our Veterans,” said James Woodard, Vietnam Veteran and Supervisor of the NC State Veterans Home Program. “For more than 12 years, the Elks have graciously included provisions for each State Veterans Home in their annual budgets. In addition, they have spent numerous hours visiting our veteran residents – listening to the heroic stories of service and survival, laughing, and crying.”
The NC State Veterans Homes are located in Black Mountain, Salisbury, Fayetteville and Kinston. Some homes have received a 5-star rating by US News & World Report.
The great State of North Carolina has not had a certified Ritual Judge for several years. This means if any of our prospective Ritual Teams wish to compete at the State or Grand Lodge level we would have to bring in judges from another State or have the team travel to another State to be judged. On January 17 2015 hopefully that will change! Our Area 3 Ritual Chairman Mr. Doug Jones has agreed to travel to the Greensboro Lodge to put on a one day Ritual training clinic. The clinic will be open to past judges or Past Exalted Rulers. Current ER’s are invited to participate but they will not receive their credentials until they become a PER. If you have team that would like to perform at this clinic please let me know as we will need a demonstration team for proper judging. For more information please contact John Lawrence.
Also there will be an Eleven O’clock Toast contest at the Spring Convention in Wilmington. There will again be two divisions, one for current ER’s and one open division for anyone else wishing to compete.
Fraternally,
John Lawrence
State Ritual Chairman
703 973-0069 cell
252 637-3009 home
jpadlawrence@yahoo.com
On June 28, 2014, the Wilmington Elks Lodge #532 donated the use of their lodge to the Vietnam Veterans of America to hold their Agent Orange Town Hall Meeting. A plaque was presented to the Elks Lodge from the Veterans to show their appreciation. Pictured on left, Mac McDonald, President of the Veterans of America, presenting a Plaque to David Greiner and Joe Pettet of the Wilmington lodge to show their appreciation for the use of the Elks Lodge.
Group Picture on the right shows (left to right) Exalted Ruler David Greiner, Mac McDonald President of Vietnam Veterans of America Committee, Beverly Cimino Service to Veterans in Wilmington, Ilario Pantano NC Director of Veterans Affairs, Seated Jamie Clontz Veteran. Joe Pettet Veterans Committee Chairman behind Camera!
Biography of
Teddy G. Acton
North Carolina Elks State President
2014-2015
Teddy Glenn Acton was born in Evansville, Indiana, the fourth of June 1942, the son of Blanch and Harlan (Bob) Acton. Teddy attended public school in a two room school house in the country which had two teachers for all eight grades. When in the fifth grade he transferred to a Catholic grade school (Saint Agnus) and after grade school attended Mater Dei Catholic High School in Evansville, Indiana.
Upon graduation in 1961 he joined the United States Air Force. Teddy served eight years in the USAF during the Vietnam era assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC) serving as a Air Policeman and received two honorable discharges in 1969. After leaving the Air Force he joined the Washington, DC (District of Columbia) police Department where he worked for over 21 years serving mostly as a Detective. During those years he continued his education and received an Associates Degree in the Administration of Justice from American University in Washington, D.C. He received over fifty meritorious awards for outstanding police work during his career and retired with honors from the department in January of 1990.
After retiring from the police department, Teddy was appointed a judgeship as a Magistrate for the 17th Judicial District of the great State of Virginia serving the counties of Arlington and Fairfax for two years after which he moved to Sunset Beach North Carolina.
He soon met, fell in love, and married his wife Vickie. They now have six children and are blessed to have eight grandchildren. He continued to work as Director of Security at a large mall in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for five years and after that worked for the town of Sunset Beach in public works as the supervisor of Beach Code Enforcement Officers, a first medical responder, water rescue personnel, and volunteer fire fighter for another seven years.
He joined Calabash Elks Lodge #2679 in 1990 where he instantly became active working on many committees such as the Entertainment committee; the House Committee; Hoop Shoot; Christmas Party; the Halloween Party; and also wrote, directed and acted in two dinner mystery theaters which were performed and sold out many times in the lodge. He became an Officer in 1992 being elected to Lecturing Knight. He continued serving the lodge through the years and was elected Exalted Ruler three times, first 2003-2004, then 2008-2009, and again 2011-2012. He lead his lodge to compete in the State Ritual contest two times while he was Exalted Ruler. He won the Exalted Ruler of the Year Award twice while he was Exalted Ruler. His lodge recognized his outstanding service and awarded him “Elk of the Year”.
He served as State Tiler 2006-2007. He served as Vice President for the East District 2010-2011; Esquire to the District Deputy 2011-2012; and then as District Deputy 2012-2013. He was elected to the position of President-elect for the NC State Elks Association 2012-2013 and was installed as President of the NCSEA in May for 2014-2015.
He has been a dedicated public servant most of his adult life and Teddy believes in a positive attitude, team work, and closing the gap between where we are and where we want to be. He believes we need to stress what we can do—not what we can’t do and just “be the Elk we know we should be.”
The Fall Convention of the North Carolina State Elks Association took place at the High Point Plaza Hotel-Conference Center October 24-26, 2014 in High Point, NC. We were very honored to have in attendance at this convention our Grand Exalted Ruler John D. Amen and wife Marcia from Denver, Colorado. Also in attendance were our State Sponsor Arthur “Jack” Frost and wife Sharon along with the Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler John Boyd and wife Ann, and Grand Lodge Committeeman Ashley Buckwell and Linda Whisnant.
Our team of State Representatives met the GER and wife Marcia at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, NC on Thursday October 23, 2014 at 2 pm and they were driven by limousine to the hotel in High Point. At 6 pm we entertained approximately 40 invited Elks in our suite at the State Presidents social where the GER and wife were the honored guest. This was followed by a VIP dinner at 7 pm in the hotel.
On Friday, October 24, 2014 the day started with a VIP breakfast at the hotel at 7:15 am. Meetings of the state Charitable Trust started at 8:30 am, followed by the Past State Presidents Advisory Board meeting, and the NCSEA Trustee meeting. Much state business was handled ending at noon. My afternoon consisted of other private meetings and preparing for the evening events. While these business meetings were being conducted our State First Lady, Vickie Acton, escorted the VIP Ladies to Childress Winery for a tour and lunch. Later, at 6 pm, we entertained approximately 60 invited Elks in our suite for the Advisory Board Social followed by the Advisory Board Dinner at 7 pm
On Saturday, October 25, 2014 the day began with a VIP breakfast at 7:15 am and was followed by the NCSEA Fall Business session which I called to order at 9 am. The agenda contained two guest speakers, one a High Point City Councilman, and current Elk member, who welcomed our organization to the city, and the other a young lady camper from Camp Carefree, one of our State major projects. Both speakers were very motivational. They were followed by reports from our State officers and 27 State committee chairmen. I conducted unfinished business, new business, and good of the order. Dignitaries were allowed time for remarks and a very motivating talk was given by our Grand Exalted Ruler John Amen. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:15 pm followed by a inspirational memorial service conducted by Salisbury Lodge #699. This was all followed by a business luncheon and several other private meetings. At 6 pm we entertained the dignitaries in our suite and they were treated to dinner that evening at 7 pm. After dinner all district hospitality rooms and dance were attended by all.
On Sunday, October 26, 2014, everyone was invited to attend the Past Exalted Ruler member guest breakfast at 8:30. The PER’s held their meeting and I reconvened the NCSEA meeting. The Grand Exalted Ruler and wife Marcia were presented gifts and gave farewell speeches. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10 am.
I am sure you can see that your state President and First Lady are kept very busy preparing, escorting, and entertaining the dignitaries and taking care of business, but we had an outstanding time and are proud you have given us this opportunity. Please make plans to join us at the Spring Convention to be held next May 1-3, 2015 in Wilmington, NC
Fraternally,
Teddy G. Acton
NCSEA-President
The NCSEA Public Relations Committee held its first Local Lodge Website Contest this year.Seven Lodges submitted applications for the contest and after the judging Greensboro #602 and Calabash #2679 were tied for first place. Both Lodges will have their websites entered in the Grand Lodge Local Lodge Website Contest. Lodges judged at the Grand Lodge level will receive from one to five stars. Winners will be announced next spring.
Ashley Buckwell
PR Committee Chairman
Red Ribbon Week is the Nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program, reaching millions of Americans during the last week of October every year. Red Ribbon Week is celebrated annually 
October 23-31. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug-free lifestyle and pay tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.
Red Ribbon History
Enrique (Kiki) Camarena was born on July 26, 1947 in Mexicali, Mexico. He graduated from Calexico High School in Calexico, Calif., in 1966. After graduation he joined the U.S. Marines where he served for two years. After his military service, Kiki joined the Calexico Police Department and later moved to the El Centro Police Department. In 1974, he became part of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Seven years later he was assigned
to the resident office in Guadalajara. He worked out of this office for four and a half years and was close to exposing a major drug trafficking operation. On February 7, 1985 Kiki was kidnapped. That was the last time he was seen alive. He was 37 years of age.
Shortly after Kiki’s death, U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter; his wife Lynne Hunter; Calexico High School classmate, Henry Lozano; and Calexico City Councilman and educator, David Dillon launched the Calexico High School Kiki Camarena Club in Kiki’s hometown of Calexico, Calif. On April 20, 1985 over one hundred Kiki Camarena Club members pledged to lead drug free lives.
Interest from school districts in other cities in California’s Imperial Valley afforded Henry Lozano, then-Executive Director of Imperial Valley Teen Challenge, to create Kiki Camarena Clubs in Holtville, Brawley, and El Centro, California with the support of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.
In 1986, Henry Lozano, as a member of the Board of Directors of Californians for Drug-Free Youth, Inc., created a statewide coalition comprised of the Elks, Lions, Rotary, California Narcotics Officers Association, California Drug Enforcement Administration and drug prevention parent groups who worked together to establish the first statewide Red Ribbon Week celebration in October.
In 1988, the National Federation of Parents for Drug-Free Youth championed the first national Red Ribbon Week campaign with Honorary Chairman President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan. That same year, congress officially established Red Ribbon Week.
Now, at the end of every October, millions of Americans dawn red ribbons in memory of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.
The Elks are proud to be a part of such an important tradition. For more information about the Elks Drug Awareness programs, visit www.elks.org/dap.
I was extremely honored to represent the Elks of the great state of North Carolina at the National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, July 13-17, 2014. “Naw-lins” lived up to it’s reputation with food, music and Cajun hospitality. I attended all of the business sessions and enjoyed the friendships of other Elks and the hospitality rooms.
Your new National Leader, Grand Exalted Ruler John D. Amen, was sworn in and with pride took over the leadership of this outstanding organization. His motto this year is “Elks—Elevating America.” By this he means that Elks elevate, or lift up America, by the good works they do in their communities. He emphasizes teamwork in the lodges. There are simply too many things to get done to expect the Exalted Ruler to handle them all. You can help make a difference by volunteering and joining one of the lodge committees.
Vickie and I attended the East Central District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler clinic held at Fayetteville Lodge #1081, Fayetteville, NC by DDGER Bob Miller on 10 August 2014, and the East District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler clinic held at Wilmington Lodge #532, Wilmington , NC, by DDGER John Lawrence on 17 August 2014.
Vickie and I were honored guest to the South Carolina Elks Association Summer Convention which was held 4-7 September, 2014 at the Ocean Drive Beach Resort at 98 N. Ocean Blvd., N. Myrtle Beach, SC We checked in on Thursday and were meet by the SC State President John C. Vecchio and his wife Marilyn. We were treated to dinner at the Little River Elks Lodge #2840 in the company of our state sponsor Arthur “Jack” Frost and wife Sharon, Special Deputy to the PGER Robert Ressler and wife Diana, along with the SC Stated President John Vecchio and wife Marilyn. On Friday I attended several of the South Carolina Elks Association meetings to include their Advisory Board meeting, their budget Meeting, and their Board of Directors meeting. Later that same evening Vickie and I attended their Hall of Fame Dinner along with the other dignitaries at Little River Lodge #2840. On Saturday Vickie and I attended the Business Meeting from 8:30 until noon. This was followed by a luncheon. We attended the President Reception at 6:30 pm and that was followed by a dance. This convention ended Sunday morning and we headed for home. The South Carolina Elks treated us like family with the most gracious hospitality we could imagine. We were truly honored and grateful.
On the 13th and 14th of September I will be attending and playing in the North Carolina State Golf Tournament at Southern Pines Golf Club in Southern Pines, NC The proceeds of this tournament go to helping support one of our State major projects, purchaseing buses for our Veterans homes. In addition,
Vickie and I will be in attendance and look forward to the official visit of the District Deputy, John Lawrence and his wife Cheryl, to Calabash Lodge #2679 on 24 September.
We are preparing for the North Carolina State Elks Association Fall Convention 24-26 October, 2014 to be held in High Point, NC We will be honored to have with us at this convention our new Grand Exalted Ruler John D. Amen and first Lady Marcia from Denver, Colorado, along with our state sponsor, Past Grand Exalted Ruler Arthur “Jack” Frost and his wife Sharon, and Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler John Boyd and his wife Ann. We hope to see many of you attend and enjoy this convention. As one might expect, there are many details of planning and arrangements to be worked out for a convention and visit by such dignitaries. Many of our NCSEA committees pull together as a “Team” to make things work like clockwork. I am very fortunate to have such wonderful volunteers on my state committees.
I ask all of you to please remember that November is Elks Veterans Remembrance Month and remember our pledge “So long as there are Veterans the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them. Veterans Day is 11 November. Stop and spend time with a Veteran. Just tell them how much you appreciate their service. It will mean all the world to them that have served and continue to serve. Remember that Freedom is not Free and the Veteran pays the price. Do this and it will help you be the Elk you know you should be.
Thank you for all you do for Elkdom. I continue to perform all the other duties of State President as may be required of this position.
Fraternally,
Teddy G. Acton
President-NCSEA