I would like to express a sincere “thank you” from all the officers and volunteers of your local Disabled American Veterans office, to all the people of Island County and specifically to those caring individuals who donated so generously to the Disabled American Veterans “Forget-Me-Not” drive held May 20.

Your donations are used specifically for the purpose of bettering the lives of disabled veterans in our community. One of the most visible services supported by your donations are top purchase vans. These vans provide transportation for veterans from Oak Harbor, Anacortes and many points along the I-5 corridor and finally on to the Seattle VA hospital, at no cost to the veteran. Many of these veterans have no other means of transportation to get the medical treatment and services they so richly deserve. This service is supported and provided by volunteers and other veterans who act as drivers of these vans Monday through Friday except holidays, year around.

Your local DAV Chapter 47, in conjunction with Department Service Officers, provides information about benefits available to veterans, their families and survivors. The DAV is your advocate, reviewing the facts and circumstances of claims and ensuring each claim is properly filed and monitored through the VA claims process. They also assist the filing of claims, providing veterans and their families with support; distributing various donated items such as hospital beds, wheel chairs, walkers, etc. to those in need; and supporting our local community with our active involvement is all made possible through and because of your generosity.

As Commander of DAV Chapter 47, I would like to personally thank you for your past support and invited you to continue your support in the future.

The DAV Chapter 47 office is located on the Sea Plane Base, Bldg. 13 and can be reached at (360) 257-4801. You can also volunteer as a driver or donate a few hours in our office if you are able. So if you have ever wanted to give back to the community and didn’t know ho, just contact our office and see how great it feels to be helping those who have given so much to our community, our country and our way of life.