SAN ANTONIO — You've likely seen them with their distinctive red caps or recognize their name on children's hospitals across the country.
The Shriners are part of a fraternal organization that has members nationwide. The heart of their organization is philanthropic work. The majority of the Prince Hall Shriners of Moussa Temple No. 106 in San Antonio are made up of veterans.
"We have 102 members. Approximately 70 percent of them are veterans. Most of them are retired," said Noble Burrell Parmer. " We range in ages 25 to 94. Our oldest member is a World War II veteran."
Parmer, who served in the Marine Corps for 21 years, was also the president of the local temple.
"Giving back as a Mason and Shriner is very gratifying. It's also gratifying to serve two terms as Moussa's president and to motivate the men to get out to do things for the community," Parmer said.
Deputy Burrell White Jr., who oversees all Prince Hall shrine temples in Texas, served in the Air Force for 21 years. He shared how they promote four pillar programs. They mentor youth, support national diabetes initiatives, help register voters and provide student aid.
"The thing that drives you to that is to try to help in your communities. And so we have a thing where we talk about, it has to be in your heart to go out and help others," said White Jr.
Every year, members of Moussa Temple No. 106 also partners with local organizations to give back to the community. During the holidays, they give away free toys and during the school year, they hand out free school supplies.
"A lot of things we do is grassroots. We go out there where the rubber meets the road and help folks right there on the spot," Parmer said.
Moussa Temple No. 106 has been able to fund their initiatives through the non-profit organization called the Desert of Texas Charitable Foundation. It started as a way to help temples across Texas.