July was a busy month for members of the Farmington Disabled American
Veterans (DAV) Chapter 12, who accomplished one goal, revitalized another and
chose a panel of officers for the upcoming year.
New officers are: Bob Ridings, commander; Tim Azinger, officer of the day
(fills in for absent officers); Larry Webb, treasurer; William Ball, judge
advocate (keeps the rules) Chris Miller, adjutant (handles paperwork and
serves as liaison with state chapters); Don Nelson, senior vice commander;
Francis Hulsey, sergeant at arms (maintains order during meetings); Jim
Hutchinson, junior vice commander, and William Fisher, chaplain.
The group bought a new van to transport veterans to and from VA medical
centers. They installed officers for the upcoming year. They also began a
renewed focus on raising awareness of their group.
Many people misunderstand the DAV, Ball said. They think the DAV is just for
disabled veterans. But the whole purpose of the organization is to assist all
veterans.
The Farmington DAV serves veterans in St. Francois, Washington, Iron, Madison
and Ste. Genevieve counties. It is made up of men and women who were disabled
in the service and want to help other veterans.
The group meets at 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the LIFE Center,
725 E. Karsch Blvd. in Farmington, where they work on a variety of issues.
Their services include helping veterans and their families obtain benefits and
services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other
agencies of government. For example, senior citizens who are veterans and have
low income may qualify for a pension, whether or not they are disabled, Ball
explained.
Ridings also serves as service officer to provide free assistance for those
who apply for services.
Across the country, the DAV represents disabled veterans, their families,
their widowed spouses and their orphans before state, federal and local
branches of government.
The DAV does not receive any funding from the VA or the government and depends
upon the community for donations. Locally, donations may be mailed to the DAV,
P.O. Box 906, Park Hills, Mo. 63601-0906.
Donations helped the chapter buy the new van which will be providing
transportation for all Veterans to VA medical centers. The chapter is still
seeking volunteer drivers from the community to assist with appointments.
Volunteer drivers do not have to be veterans.
To volunteer, contact Nelson at 573-431-5281.
For more information about the Farmington DAV, go to their Web site at
http://www.davmissouri12.com.