VETERANS DAY

by Ann Marie Kennon

The DAV Wants You!

This Veterans' Day, our community will have an opportunity to help veterans who help veterans in a very special way. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) volunteers are taking part in the Field of Honor at Georgetown's San Gabriel park through November 14, raising funds to help start up a new chapter in Jarrell.

DAV JOIN IN JARRELL

The Disabled American Veterans provide a great deal of service and support for men and women who have been wounded in military combat. Founded in 1920, the organization has always been committed to helping veterans and their families transition to civilian life, reclaim their independence, and live lives of respect and dignity.

Chapter 239 Commander Don Christy says, "Primarily, we welcome and proactively seek every opportunity to help veterans who are eligible to file injury claims and receive money—rightfully earned—from the government. Many veterans do not realize their injuries, secondary issues, or diminished wellness due to aging may, in fact, be connected to their service. We recently helped a Vietnam Veteran claim support from his service in 1969." Don adds that not all injuries are visible; e.g., PTSD or reproductive issues, and the DAV also advocates for caregivers and family members whose lives are impacted.

Gregg Dunham, Department of Texas Commander explains, "We are different from other veteran organizations in that we spend every dollar raised only on disabled veterans and their families. We are funded entirely by private donations and take no money from the government. We solicit veterans, individually, to file their claims and, as an organization, we go before Congress on a regular basis to testify on bills, or advocate for the needs of all Veterans. Most recently, we supported the Debra Sampson Act, which advocates for the special needs of female veterans, including obstetrics, military sexual trauma (MST), and PTSD."

The goal of Chapter 239 is to be available to help all veterans in Jarrell, Salado, and towns around, and Don and Gregg encourage everyone to join and support the mission. As well, Kathy Dunham, Auxiliary Unit 22 Commander, is confident that understanding the nature of the Auxiliary unit may inspire others to join as well. "We attend meetings, help with fundraisers, but also provide specific support for VETERANS DAY individuals; everything from mowing the yard, to ice cream 2021 DAV.ORG socials, to holding someone's hand at a doctor's appointment. There are so many Veterans in VA and nursing homes who have no family, and they would just love some company. The millions of hours our volunteers put in saves the government billions every year." Membership is inexpensive and provides members with a news subscription and opportunities to donate time, talent, or treasure as they are able. Meetings are at the Jarrell Community Center on the first Monday of the month, and are open to everyone who wishes to support and advocate for those who have given so much in service. Contact Don at 512-818-2918 or scan the code for more information.