We are an international organization of men and women, ROOTED in the BELIEF of caring for young and old, strengthening communities and celebrating life.
The Moose fraternity has a long history with helping children. Since 1913, the Moose fraternity has helped children from around the United States. They provide a nurturing and secure environment in which to learn and grow and this place is called Mooseheart. It is within this same helping spirit that the Moose fraternity has started the Tommy Moose program. Tommy Moose is a 12 inch plush stuffed animal that is given to first responders in the field to help them comfort children in traumatic situations. Who knew that a 12 inch stuffed animal could make such an impact?
When a child experiences a traumatic event like domestic violence, natural disaster, accident or otherwise, Tommy Moose is there to comfort them. Our Tommy Moose program gets these comforting stuffed animals into the hands of first responders to give to children in distress.
Tommy Moose is making a difference. First responders from around the country are praising the program as successful and helpful. The Tommy Moose program is fast approaching a milestone. They have given more than 100,000 of these friendly and comforting stuffed animals to departments around the nation.
On Sunday, May 13, 2012, our lodge with the support of our dedicated members donated two dozen plush Tommy Moose’s to Fairfax City’s police department. We want to thank Lieutenant Hunt and Officer Davis for accepting our donation. Lieutenant Hunt told us about how these Tommy’s would help children in distress. He said they would be in the back of a patrol cruisers right away. The Fairfax City Police department does such a great job each and every day. We thank and praise them for all their hard work.
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Community Service Report
Written by Michael Cogburn
Friday, 06 January 2012 06:00
It was a brilliant and wonderfully successful fall for Community Service. Our Lodge stepped up in every area to help foster joy and happiness throughout Northern Virginia. We became a bigger part of the community and we're the better because of it.
We hit the ground running in September by "pulling the plane" for Special Olympics and raising over $2400 dollars. Our lodge hosted five award winning Airmen who represented the best our military has to offer. We treated them to tailgating and a Nationals games with seats right down in front. They all had a blast and even caught a foul ball. It doesn't get more American and apple pie than that. The highlight for them was being the guest of the WOTM for their annual Shrimp Feast. What a great time for all and I recently spoke to the Lt. Col and he's still talking about those huge tasty shrimp. Special thanks to Linda, Wendy, Mary, and Barb for taking such good care of them by making them feel right at home. Well done, ladies!
Our members’ stuffed backpacks, collected coats, school supplies, and help spruce up our Lodge. My Mom always said charity begins at home. So many thanks to all who showed up for Lodge clean up day, especially Steve with his bum knee. I felt if he was there we all should be there helping take care of our 'Home" away from home. We donated a dozen Tommy Moose to Station 41 in Honor of a fallen hero Teddy Pendergass. A first responder, friend, firefighter, and family man struck down way to early. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. A special thanks to Linda for arranging the donation.
Our lodge stayed on point by continuing to support Western Fairfax Christian Ministries and the St. Vincent de Paul Society with food and clothing donations. As I traverse the world of non-profit organizations, the need increases so we must remain diligent. Steve and his poker league continued their efforts collecting toiletries for the Residential Program Center and Homeless Shelter. They did so well, I was able to take several boxes to a youth shelter in DC. Many of the things we take for granted like toothbrushes and shampoo are like gold to those in need. The smiles and kind words directed back to our membership are too vast to include here. Just know you made a difference in a forgotten person's life.
Members worked with the USO in providing man power, planning, and support for their Gala in October, which has a direct effect on our Military men and women and their families. We also helped the Volunteers of America plan, execute, and support their Gala Ball which raised over $19,000 to help the homeless. I especially want to thank Luther Hodges for all the help he provided in this endeavor. We make a great team Brother Hodges.
Our Lodge donated funds to Wounded Warriors, Special Olympics, American legion, and Safe Surfin foundation. It was a special blessing during the week leading up to Veterans Day that our members visited Nursing Homes in the area. We help put on a program and served lunch to a true American Hero's. Thanks for the heads up and help on that Brother John Price to hear stories first hand about World War II from these brave men and women is something that will not be forgotten.
In the coming year, take a few minutes to drop by a Senior Center to visit and you’ll be surprised how good it feels. As we move forward in 2012, let's all be on the lookout for the little things. The fact that we can something that will make a big difference in the lives of so many. I ask that you please keep me in your thoughts and prays as I seek out the best ways our lodge can help the Community. Please inform me of projects or ideas you see that need our attention.
Lastly I want to thank Governor Tom Pavlik, Administrator Mark Smith and the rest of the Board for supporting this committee with their knowledge, insight, and approvals. We are so fortunate to have fine men such as these to lead us. I also want to thank my committee Luther Hodges, Garrett Awkard, Dan Sullivan, and Tom Pavlik for your guidance and support. I couldn't do it with out you wonderful guys. Well done! To 2012 and beyond!
Yours in Service, Michael Cogburn
Christmas Donations
Written by Michael Cogburn
Friday, 06 January 2012 06:00
Christmas is a special time of the year for all of us. It’s when friends and family come together to celebrate all that is good. We know there are many out there less fortunate. We live in one of the richest counties in America, but the need for Christmas joy has never been greater. To families struggling to provide basic needs, Christmas can be an overwhelming time.
I remember being in such a family as a small boy. My Dad had just started his business and my Mom was working full time at Campbell's soup. They were putting food on the table and keeping the lights on, but there was no extra money. I can only imagine how my parents must have felt. With three small boys, no money for presents, mom and dad did the only thing they could do. Mom took toys that we already had cleaned them. Dad fixed the broken ones. They wrapped each and every one of them with love. Come Christmas morning, my brothers and I had the best time ever. Love abounded and we were blessed.
Spring forward to 2011, these issues still exist. Dads are working harder than ever. Mom has to work because together they cannot bring in a steady income. This year, during Thanksgiving and Christmas, our membership stepped up again to provide aid and comfort to those in need. I was so grateful that the Board approved funds for three different groups this year.
We gave $500 to Western Fairfax Catholic Ministries to buy turkeys and $1000 to Fairfax Community Outreach to buy gift cards to distribute to families that allowed them to buy food specific to their culture. So they might pass their heritage and customs down to there children. Finally we gave $500 to Our Neighbor's Child.org which thru a partnership with Paisano's Pizza and Ourisman Automotive Group were able to provide requested Christmas presents to the kids of over 2800 families.
Our Neighbor Child is an incredible organization and every dollar they collect is used to buy gifts. Our members were able to work along side students from Centerville, Chantilly, and Westfields High School. When Governor Tom Pavlik and I toured the donated warehouse space, we were truly amazed. Tom knew for sure we were on the right track. The members who were involved on the delivery day of, December 18 will not forget the tears of joy from struggling parents or the shrieks of delight from the kids when "Santa" came a knocking. Talk about the true joy of Christmas. I'm getting a little chocked up right now just thinking about those smiling happy faces. Those families were so grateful, but those who helped were really blessed. It was a very merry Christmas indeed in Fairfax County and our members were a big part of it.
Please the next time pizza is on the menu, think about ordering from Paisano's pizza. They are partners in our community.
Finally, Be Kind, Be Wise, Walk in Grace, See the World with caring eyes, and have a Hopeful point of View!
Loyal Order of Moose 
It was a brilliant and wonderfully successful fall for Community Service. Our Lodge stepped up in every area to help foster joy and happiness throughout Northern Virginia. We became a bigger part of the community and we're the better because of it. 
Christmas is a special time of the year for all of us. It’s when friends and family come together to celebrate all that is good. We know there are many out there less fortunate. We live in one of the richest counties in America, but the need for Christmas joy has never been greater. To families struggling to provide basic needs, Christmas can be an overwhelming time. 