Posted on 03/10/2016 3:28:40 PM PST by NKP_Vet
BTTT
The amounts sent in to DAV National support a nice panoply of very helpful programs. But I go out with others from the two local chapters to help staff little collection tables at the Walmart and Acme stores, where we distribute the blue "Forget Me Not" little flowers in appreciation for the donations on Memorial Day and on Veterans Day weekends.
DAV members are able to emphasize that the local contributions are used locally in entirety to fund local projects that help not just disabled vets, but all vets. Local contributions have provided transportation vehicles to bring local veterans to their VA appointments and take them home, when they have no personal vehicles, or when they cannot drive.
In this case, funds channeled through local DAV Chapters not only go 100% for service to all veterans, but in the case of the vehicles operated under the VA aegis, the auto companies leverage the contributions by themselves contributing matching credits to enhance the purchase. And local DAV volunteers drive the vehicles under a DAV volunteer dispatcher, for whom the VA provides an office and communication services for the operation.
Similar needed projects (not necessarily VA-related), all locally generated for local needs, are put in effect all over the US, in addition to the generally available services organized by National, nothing hidden, and any cost of administration provided by members who themselves suffer service-related disabilities that are inconvenient but not totally disabling from service to their beloved pals.
So also remember to give thanks to the local businesses who once or twice a year permit DAV and other genuine Vets organizations to stand near their entrances to appeal to their customers. You can know that Walmarts and Acme stores have been solidly in support of our veterans on this.
I enjoy watching this in both parties; people on both sides of the aisle are realizing they’ve been had, and are rejecting the pre-ordained party reps.
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