Sunday, March 14,2010 — The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) celebrated their 60th anniversary last month during their regular monthly meeting.
“The chapter was first founded in 1950. We currently provide services for about 420 members in a multi-county area,” said Mickey Drye, treasurer of Chapter 12 and Department Service Officer stationed in Salisbury.
During the meeting, one of only two living charter members, Larkin Fesperman, was honored with the presentation of pin commemorating 60 years of service to the chapter. Fesperman, 91, is a Stanly County native who served and was wounded in Sicily in 1943. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service, but he was not ready to stop serving. He began the flag folding tradition for burials in Stanly County long before the DAV chapter was chartered and now currently serves of the acting commanders of the Ritual Team.
“It is estimated that [Larkin] has folded between 5,000 and 6,000 flags,” Drye said. Drye added that Ted Furr is the only other living charter member, but he is unable to regularly attend meetings.
The national DAV was first founded in 1920, and was chartered by Congress in 1932 as the official voice of disabled veterans. It is not a government funded organization, but raises money through membership dues, fundraisers and contributions. Veterans from all branches of the military are eligible for membership.
The DAV provides services for injured or wounded service members who were treated or hospitalized during active duty. This can include someone who served during peace time but trained in warlike conditions. A detailed report of the injury and treatment must be in the military records, though.
“Many of the younger generations have no concept of what could be down the road for them. They are unaware of the VA health benefits they could receive, which is why it is important for us to recruit members and help them become aware of these benefits,” Drye said. Drye explained that combat veterans can enroll for VA healthcare benefits within five years from the date of their separation from the service.
One of the services the DAV offers is van transportation to an from VA hospitals, but the veteran must not have any other means of transportation, and must be able to move about on their own power because the van is not equipped with wheelchair access. The DAV also offers a military rites for funerals, in which seven men fire three volleys to represent Duty, Honor, and Country.
For more information, call (704) 982-5309.
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Related Photos
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Stanly County Chapter 12 Commander J.T. Hatley (left), along with Treasurer Mickey Drye (right) presented Larkin Fesperman (center) with a gold pin commemorating his 60 years of service to the DAV.
Discussion
Stanly County DAV turns 60
Chapter 12 celebrates anniversary
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