Photo belongs to the Perry Elks Lodge

A member from the Perry Elks Lodge was recently celebrated for his service at the state level.

Don Richardson was honored with the 2024-25 Veteran Volunteer Award from the Iowa State Elks Association. Richardson, who is a Perry native and a 30-year U.S. Army Veteran, tells Raccoon Valley Radio he’s been with the Perry Elks Lodge since 2009 and joined the nonprofit organization to be able to serve in his home community for all veterans. He shares his initial reaction to finding out he was selected for the Veteran Volunteer Award.

“Very honored to begin with, but also thought there were so many deserving members out there who would deserve more than me, even within our lodge. Very honored to be nominated by them (Iowa State Elks Association). I know how much the veterans are supporting across the state through all the Elks Lodges, so I’m just amazed.”

Richardson emphasizes that he is grateful for the opportunity to bring the award back to the local Elks Lodge as a reflection of the work that is done for Iowa Veterans, especially in Dallas County. He says his favorite thing about the Perry Elks Lodge is working alongside the other members, who bring him lots of joy.