Ukiah Elks support local youth
A recent get together at the Ukiah Elks Lodge #1728 allowed the Elks to share much holiday cheer with a Mendo-lake youth group.
Elks Trustee Daniel Harreschou, U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant Retired, and Trustee Rick Harreschou awarded the Elks' $500 donation to Emelia Nanigui Owsiany, a 2022 Devil Pup graduate.
Also in attendance was a former 2017 Devil Pup, Willits resident Emily Davis. Emily is a Ukiah graduate and recipient of a $180,000 educational scholarship that she received from the U.S. Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, in a national competition. Emily is now a SDSU, San Diego graduate and is in her final phase of training as a Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant, Naval Reserve Officer.
Fourteen-year-old Emelia said she was proud to wear her uniform from last summer's leadership and team building experience. She told of how she learned the importance of personal fortitude and “how we can push past our feelings of wanting to quit when things get tough.” Emelia has taken her Devil Pups training to heart as she successfully competes and excels with the Willits High girls wrestling team. Emelia explained that the Elks donation will enable another local youth to participate in the July, 2023 Camp Pendleton youth activities encampment.
The Devil Pups derive their name from the nickname of “Devil Dogs” given to the WW1, U.S. Marines by the German Army at the 1918 battle of Belleau Woods as they described the tenacity of the American Marines.
Both Elks Lodge Trustees, Daniel and Rick, explained that this donation was the direct result of funds received during the Nov. 10, 2022 Marine Corps Birthday celebration hosted by the Elks. Rick explained that “support for our active military and veterans is a major effort of the Ukiah Elks lodge.”
As we celebrate the Marine Corps birthday each year, we know that the 11th of November is the very next day, and honor all of our military branches of service at this celebration. Both men said there will be more financial support to come after our November 2023 USMC Birthday celebration.
If you know of a boy or girl 14 to 17 years of age who would like to compete for a spot in the 2023 Devil Pups encampment check us out at our website, devilpups.com. Then, for information on our upcoming try-outs contact your Mendo-lake Devil Pup Liaison Representatives, David Goodman at 1-707-7036773 or Wayne Mcbride at 1-707-489-7948.