Editor,

The Disabled American Veterans of Whidbey Island, Local Chapter No. 47 will conduct its annual “Forget-Me-Not” drive 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at various businesses in Oak Harbor.

The financial support we receive through donations is vital to sustain the work of our local chapter which operates as an all-volunteer organization.

The first time the DAV members ever sold the little blue forget-me-not flowers to the public was Feb. 24, 1926. The drive helped raise funds to support Disabled American Veteran services and provide assistance desperately needed by veterans disabled in World War I.

Our mission has not wavered; our duty is to support veterans of all conflicts and wars.

Locally, we help veterans who have served this country since World War II through the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Every penny of your donation goes directly to our transportation program and toward the purchase of a new van which supports our local veterans in their transportation needs to get to the Seattle VA hospital.

Currently our van that we use to transport veterans to their medical appointments in Seattle has 180,000 miles on it. The Veteran’s Administration Regulations dictate the safe usable service life of the van to be 200,000 miles.

With the Island County Veterans Assistance Fund declining to provide a grant as it has in the past, your donations are more crucial than ever.

In the past, local support has been so great that we have been able to maintain the transportation needs for veterans who may suffer physically or emotionally, rendering them incapable of getting themselves to Seattle for medical appointments.

Come out and support us as we continue to support our local veterans for the sacrifices they made defending our freedoms and way of life.

Michelle McClain

Chapter Adjutant

Oak Harbor