DAV Chapter 74 holds Forget-Me-Not drive for disabled veterans

By DAVID J. HARDIN

Cove Leader-Press

The local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Post 74 held their semi-annual Forget-Me-Not drive on Saturday in front of the Copperas Cove Wal-Mart.

The Chapter helps veterans throughout Coryell County and Lampasas County, with the main DAV office located in Gatesville.

Tony Smith is the Veterans Service Officer for Coryell County and his job is to better serve the veterans of Coryell County.

Smith said the Forget-Me-Not drive is a very important event in helping veterans and that all of the money raised during the drive goes strictly to veterans to help with their life needs, and none of the money is used for the DAV Chapter or anyone who works for it.

In exchange for a donation, donors received a blue forget-me-not pin.

The monetary donations, Smith said, go to help disabled veterans who need assistance with living expenses, medical bills, rent, food and other life necessities. The DAV also helps purchase mobility items such as wheelchairs, scooters, crutches.

Jerry Smith, who serves as adjunct treasurer for the DAV Chapter 74, said the organization tries to help the veteran community as much as possible.

The donation drive raised $400 on Saturday. The next Forget Me Not Drive will be held in November.

The DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families. They assist veterans in many ways, such as giving them transportation to and from medical appointments, DAV also assists veterans by helping them fill out and submit their benefit claim forms. Nationwide, the DAV serves almost 1.3 million veterans and has 1,300 chapters located in the United States.