DEL HAVEN – Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter No. 44 is devoted to helping county veterans and participates in many activities and fundraisers. The chapter works to provide housing assistance through rent and utility payments, pays other bills such as auto insurance, and delivers donated furniture to veterans’ homes.
The DAV began participating in the Citizen’s and Veterans’ Advisory Committee (CVAC) in February of last year. In addition to the DAV, the committee includes the American Red Cross Southern Shore Chapter, AtlantiCare, Cape Regional Medical Center, Synergy Home Care, Catholic Charities, Volunteers in Medicine and a group of volunteers who assist veterans in distress.
Johnnie Walker, chapter commander since March 2013, told the Herald that the club has donated more than $24,000 in the last six to seven months for veterans and other military organizations that directly help veterans.
Revenue is raised through monthly casino bus trips, canteen and kitchen profits. The kitchen is open at 4 p.m. daily and the public is invited when accompanied by a chapter member. There are numerous charity events throughout the year with the major fundraiser, the annual Forget-Me-Not Flower Drive, in June and July at local Acmes, Shop Rites, Wawa and Walmart stores.
Walker said that people don’t realize there are many more survivors of Afghanistan and Iraq than past wars because of faster flights out of war zones and advanced medical care. Those survivors have many issues to struggle with and often need help.
The CVAC, partnering with the American Legion, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, and New Jersey State Parole Board, will host a Resource and Employment Opportunity Fair at Richard Stockton College campus in Pomona, April 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Plans for a CVAC event along with the Red Cross are being finalized for May 13 at Cape May County airport. Also at the airport, the committee is planning to host the Veterans Resource and Information Fair in November. Last year’s fair was held with Assemblyman Sgt. Bob Andrzejczak as the guest speaker.
DAV Chapter 44 is holding an ongoing Memorial Walkway Brick fundraiser at its 1010 Bayshore Road location. The public can participate by buying a brick to have a loved one’s name preserved in stone.
These will become part of a new walkway leading up to its Veterans Memorial. Order sheets for pavers and information on DAV 44 activities, are available at www.dav44.org.
To contact Linda Duffy, email lduffy@cmcherald.com.
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