DAV Installs New Officers For 2022-23

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Ernestine Schumann-Heink Chapter No. 2 and Auxiliary Unit #2 installed newly elected chapter and auxiliary officers Saturday, June 25.

Among the 18 new Chapter Officers installed were Lawrence Dixon, Commander, and, Ms. Anna McDonald, Sr. Vice Commander. Among the 5 new auxiliary officers for 2022-2023 were Ms. Eartheline Downs, Commander, and Carol Ball Sr. Vice Commander.

The new Executive Board included Ms. Willa Jean Anderson, Ms. Gracie Caldwell, Mike Lickteig, and Ms. Bonita Mitchell, and three alternatives.

After the installation ceremony, Lawrence Dixon, who was ending his position as Sr. Vice Commander for his new position as Commander, recognized those who gave of their time and talents to support him in his previous position with certificates to thank them for their service.

He recognized all past commanders and presented them to the attendees. Then Commander Dixon had his family to stand. They included his daughter, grandson, brother, and others. He ended his speech by reading a moving letter written to him by his daughter, Leona Dixon, following the Honor Flight they took together to Washington, D. C., to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

“Dear Daddy: I am so proud to be the daughter of a U. S. Army Veteran. I never understood why you were so dedicated to the Army long after retirement, but I do now! I see the pride and the brotherhood you share with total strangers that served On all areas of the military. The bond of serving your country. I will never know for myself, but I see it through you. Thank you, Daddy, for your service then and now. I know it will forever be a part of you. I’m honored to share this experience with you and your fellow comrades to visit the memorials in Washington, D. C. I will cherish this forever.”

“I love you forever. Thank you for your service. Love Always, your daughter.”

Her expression of admiration for her father’s dedication to the U. S. military, veterans, and those who have served in the military can be applied to all those who serve at the DAV.

DAV Chapter #2 employs over 400 people in its 11 thrift stores across Missouri, including Kansas City, Springfield, Joplin, Jefferson City, Independence, and St. Louis. This month it is opening 12th store in Independence, Missouri.

It also operates a salvage operation in North Kansas City that handles between 5 and 10 million pounds of salvage, which is sold overseas.

The income from these operations assists the Missouri department of disabled veterans, but also provides income for chapters in Joplin, Springfield, St. Louis, Independence, and Jefferson City. And, Chapter 2 is also able to assist an average of 450 veterans every month in Kansas City. It helps veterans pay their bills, and, provides money for transportation.

The DAV provides food baskets for those in need, and sometimes even provides deposits for apartments. It also provides clothing from the stores for those in need, and it always tries to help surviving spouses and children with whatever they need.

The DAV Chapter #2 serves veterans and their families’ request for groceries, clothing, household items, wheel chairs, crutches, walkers, and more. During the Christmas season the DAV provides Christmas Baskets to families. And, it provide canned foods to churches and service groups for their food pantries throughout the year.

The DAV’s Primary mission will never change: fulfilling the countries’ promises to the men and women who have served as they work to reclaim their lives.