Assembly 2050 To Be A Patriot
- Fri, Aug 16, 2024 7:12 AM
As you know, the principle of the Fourth Degree of our Order is Patriotism. The Fourth Degree conducts an annual "To Be A Patriot" Program for the purpose of recognizing outstanding patriotic activities and programs performed by our brother Knights.
The Msgr Herman P. Fedewa #2050 Assembly's program for 2023-2024 was “Save On to Heal Another." This program entails rescuing dogs destined for euthanasia, and training them to be highly skilled service dogs to at-risk veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress and / or brain injuries.
Earlier this year, Assembly #2050 received word that their program was selected as the best "To be a Patriot" program within the KofC Hennepin Province, encompassing all of Michigan and Ohio. Earlier in August, they received word that Supreme selected the program as their International Program of the Year, once again bringing honor to the Knights of the Assembly, and by extension the Knights of the jurisdiction of Michigan!
Read the full program by clicking here
Too many of our veterans suffer from the effects of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). They commonly have deep feelings of isolation, separation and lack of support. These feeling too often drive veterans to suicide. For the Sir Knights of the Msgr. Fedewa Assembly #2050 (Fedewa Assembly), this was a call to action, and the Sir Knights of the Fedewa Assembly decided to “answer the call.”
But how?
We found a way! We discovered Blue Star Service Dogs, (Blue Star).
Blue Star is an organization located in our Assembly’s “back yard” of Pinckney, Michigan. Blue Star provides service dogs for veterans suffering from (PTSD) and brain injuries.
We found that in collaboration with the councils that make up our Assembly, great things can happen! In this Fraternal Year alone, our Sir Knights from Council 12295, 7304, and the Michigan District 2 raised $11,574.85 for Blue Star! This was in addition to “boots on the ground” volunteer hours supporting Blue Star operations.
Our Support of Blue Star has resonated throughout our Assembly area, and has been manifested in a boost membership recruitment. When patriotic Catholic men learn of the “rescuing one to heal another” program we support, they are inspired to become Knights and continue their journey to become Sir Knights as well.
John Yanok - Chairman - "Rescue one to Heal Another" Program
SDRR-Lansing, PFN Msgr Fedewa Assembly