Veterans Visit: Remembering Our Bingo Friends at the VA

Submitted by Karen Seaman, PER

Often, we gather at the Community Living Center to play Bingo with our Veterans while serving pizza, drinks, and desserts. Usually, the room is filled with laughter, teasing over Bingo cards, and the familiar faces we have come to love through the years.

But on May 17, 2026, the room felt different. Three of our treasured regular players were missing.

One of them was our beloved “Queen of Bingo,” Marie, who over the years completely stole the hearts of our volunteers. Marie was a strong and independent Veteran — spirited, funny, determined, and deeply loved. She will be greatly missed by all of us. Then there was Edward, a proud Army Veteran and true fighting soldier, who passed the day after Marie. The following day, Harold, a Vietnam Veteran like Edward, also took his final flight.

Moments like these remind us that every time we walk into that Bingo room, we should treasure it. We hug them, laugh with them, joke with them, and love them. Just like with our own families and friends, we never know if someone will still be there the next time we visit.

Get involved. Join us for Bingo with our Veterans. Come thank the people who stood on the front lines for all of us. That is what we do as Elks. More importantly, that is what we do as human beings. Jump in — it is meaningful, rewarding, and yes, it is a whole lot of fun.

---

Originally published in the July 2026 Tracks newsletter of Phoenix Elks Lodge #335. Read the full issue (PDF).

← Back to News