Brother Emil Fett, current secretary of Craftsmen Lodge No. 717, has been active in Masonry since 2002 and has remained committed to serving both his Lodge and his community.
That commitment is reflected in the Lodge’s ongoing efforts to support those in need. Through their memorial fund, Craftsmen Lodge provides $500 each month to a widow or Brother facing hardship, helping cover essentials like utility bills or groceries.
“If they call and they’re in need, we fulfill that need,” Emil said.
Supporting Veterans
Their most recent project extended that same spirit of service to veterans in their community. Through the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Partnering to Honor (PTH) Program, Craftsmen Lodge partnered with Greater St. Louis Honor Flights, a nonprofit organization not affiliated with the Masonic Home, to help local veterans visit the memorials built in their honor in Washington, D.C, free of charge.
According to Brother Emil, Greater St. Louis Honor Flights began with a single pilot flying veterans in a two-seater plane. As more pilots learned about the mission, it quickly gained traction. Support grew through donations, allowing the organization to charter larger aircraft that can now transport more than 50 veterans at a time, free of charge.
The Lodge first learned about Honor Flights through Brother Neal Leturno, a fellow Lodge Brother and veteran who participated in an Honor Flight.
Inspired by his experience, the Lodge began raising funds so more veterans could take part in this trip of a lifetime.
“We thought, why can’t we help?” Emil said.
One unique effort comes from a Lodge Brother who mows his neighbor’s lawn throughout the summer, not for personal income, but to raise donations. At the end of the summer, he gives everything he has earned back to the Lodge to support Honor Flights.
“As long as it’s going toward something like the Honor Flights, [the neighbor] continues paying him for cutting her grass,” Emil said.
Through efforts like this, Craftsmen Lodge raised $800, which was matched 2:1 through the PTH Program for a total of $2,400, helping send at least 3 veterans to Washington, D.C.
When the Lodge presented the check to Jim Petitt, a representative of Greater St. Louis Honor Flights, the gratitude was immediate.
“He was very thankful,” Brother Emil said.
Craftsmen Lodge Brother presents a check to Jim Petitt, Greater St. Louis Honor Flights representative, to fund Honor Flights for veterans.
The impact on the Lodge was also clear when Petitt visited, sharing more about the organization’s mission.
“It was overwhelming,” Emil said. “Guys quit eating to listen to his presentation – it was just that good.”
A Personal Connection
For Brother Emil, the cause is especially meaningful. He is a veteran himself, having served in the U.S. Navy’s Seabees, a combat construction battalion responsible for building and defending its infrastructure. Stationed around the world as part of a 500-man unit, Emil understands the importance of honoring those who have served.
He is scheduled to participate in an Honor Flight in 2027.
“I can only imagine the stories that will be told on the flight from St. Louis to Washington, D.C.,” he said.
Serving the Community
In addition to supporting veterans through Honor Flights, Craftsmen Lodge continues to serve its community in several other ways. Members regularly volunteer at Jefferson Barrack VA Medical Center, preparing barbecue meals for families visiting their loved ones. They also take on hands-on projects such as painting fire hydrants or picking up trash in their community.
To support these efforts, the Lodge hosts events like trivia nights and continues to look for new ways to bring people together, including plans for future community barbecues.
To spread the word in their community, Lodge Brothers often go door-to-door hanging flyers on doorknobs. They also share information through Facebook. Emil hopes that these efforts will raise awareness of their Lodge and encourage community involvement in their events.
Encouraging Others
Craftsmen Lodge hopes their efforts inspire other Lodges and Chapters to support veterans in their community through the Masonic Home’s Partnering to Honor Program.
“They won’t regret it,” Emil said.
Looking ahead, the Lodge plans to continue supporting Honor Flights and expanding their impact in the years to come.
If your Lodge or Chapter is interested in serving local veterans through Honor Flights, putting together care packages, or stocking clothing pantries, visit https://www.mohome.org/outreach-programs/partnership-programs/partnering-to-honor/ or contact the Masonic Home today at (800) 434-9804.
