Disabled American Veterans chapter dedicated to vets

By Stephen “Butch” Whitehead, Minnesota

DAV Adjutant

The Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota (DAV) recently recognized Park Rapids Chapter 38 for their commitment to serving veterans and their families.

Over the years, Chapter 38 has continued to grow and develop new programs to assist local veterans. They credit much of their continued success to the Park Rapids community.

“Living in a community that is incredibly supportive of the Veteran community makes our job easier,” said Park Rapids DAV Adjutant Greg Remus.

Community is an important component of the chapter. They frequently provide support to other local programs or services that benefit veterans, such as the Salvation Army, Living at Home of the Park Rapids Area and the Patriot Assistance Dog Training Program.

They are more than happy to support organizations that are working to better the lives of veterans and their families.

“If you give money in your own backyard, you will see the results right away,”says Park Rapids DAV Commander Jerry Bjerke.

By donating to local programs, not only are they supporting veterans but are also freeing up funds to allow these organizations to assist even more people.

“Our mission is simple; we do whatever we can to better the lives of local veterans and their families,” said Bjerke.

And to achieve that mission, the DAV chapter is constantly seeking out the current needs of veterans and doing what they can to meet those needs.

In 2013, the chapter recognized an increasing need for transportation from Park Rapids to the Fargo VA. Located 90 miles away, the Fargo VA is where many local veterans receive medical care.

In response, they purchased a van and started a transportation program through which veterans can request a ride to medical appointments, completely free of charge. The service is available to any veteran in the Park Rapids area or anyone who lives along the route to Fargo.

The veterans are transported by dedicated volunteer drivers, who have logged over 3,700 hours since the beginning of the program.

This program has grown into an essential service for local veterans and has transported over 1,200 veterans and driven more than 120,000 miles.

DAV Chapter 38 Outdoors is the chapter’s newest program, which provides veterans with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Throughout the year they host a variety of events, including pheasant hunts, deer hunts, ice fishing tournaments, and beginning in May, they are hosting fishing charters on Lake Superior throughout summer.

Most events are handicap accessible, providing veterans with opportunities they might not have otherwise. Being able to spend time in nature and participate in outdoor events helps provide healing and recovery for disabled veterans.

“At one of our deer hunts, we had a veteran who had not shot a deer since 1983. The excitement he had while participating in the hunt was truly moving,” said DAV outdoors director Darius Simon.

The chapter is equipped to host a variety of events, thanks to generous donations from the community. They have received donations of access to lands for hunting, access to a residents fishing boat, and yeararound storage for their icehouse.

If interested in supporting or learning more about DAV Chapter 38, call the Hubbard County Veterans Service Office at 218-732-3561.

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