Together for Our Warriors

By Joshua Scarselli.

Over the weekend, I attended the Second Annual New Moon Lodge Together for Our Warriors (T.O.W.) Veterans’ Dinner and Resource Fair. Very often, the people who sacrificed the most to preserve our way of life get overlooked or fall through the cracks of society. The Masonic Lodge hosted this wonderful event that allowed veterans the chance to have a tasty meal and find out about resources in their community. 

Over a dozen organizations came together to make this dinner a success. Shire Tavern of Dalton, Mass., provided a BBQ meal that was free to veterans and their significant others. Representatives from several organizations were on hand to give out information about veteran-specific services they offer. A lot of veterans find it hard to navigate what is offered to them. A lot more just don’t know these programs and services are out there. There isn’t a better way to find out than to have a nice meal and people who can explain these things to you. 

I have been to the New Moon Lodge before for XWA wrestling events. They put on a great show for that, and this dinner did not disappoint. There was special lighting that really transformed the hall into something special for the vets. Where I am used to seeing a wrestling ring, there were dozens of tables decorated in a patriotic theme. The attention to detail really showed that the planning committee poured their heart and soul into this event. The evening was topped off with a raffle of about 30 prizes that were donated by the community. It was really a special night for some people who deserve it the most. 

Photo by Joshua Scarselli

I got to catch up with a member of the planning committee to ask some questions about this wonderful event. Answering questions is Bro. Kyle Kuffel, Sergeant, United States Army (Retired). Military Veteran Officer, 31st Massachusetts Masonic District and Chaplain for New Moon Lodge A.F.&A.M., Pittsfield Mass.

RRX: How did the annual dinner start?

KK: A couple of years ago, Past Master of New Moon Lodge, W. Bro. John Wood called me (as the 31st Massachusetts Masonic District Military Veteran Officer) with the idea of having a Veterans’ Dinner. The idea took off from there, and we soon had W. Bro. Bernie Tremblay (Master of New Moon Lodge) on board with the idea. At some point, I thought it would be a great idea to have veteran resources and organizations attend so that veterans could get the information on benefits that they’ve earned. It developed into what it is now.

RRX: What’s the purpose of the dinner?

KK: There are three main purposes for the dinner (these are not in order of importance). First, provide a nice meal for veterans around Veterans Day. Not just a cookie-cutter meal from a chain restaurant. The meals last year and this year were made with love and passion by one of Berkshire County’s finest chefs, Terry Bishop of Shire Tavern, former owner at Biggin’s Diggins. Second, with all the veterans’ resource organizations on site (17 last year, 19 this year), the veterans who attended were given the opportunity to mingle and speak with the various representatives. This is important because there are so many benefits that veterans just don’t know about. Things that can just make veterans’ lives easier. Finally, this is really about the community coming together to show love and appreciation for the Veterans Community 

RRX: Where can people keep track of the event for next year?

KK: New Moon Lodge has a Facebook page for the event here. 

Photography by Joshua Scarselli.