As its name implies, Disabled American Veterans has always been an advocate for quality medical care for America’s disabled warriors. Members of the local DAV chapter want veterans to know they are here to help on a practical level as well.

One way they seek to do that is by loaning out durable medical equipment, said chapter adjutant Michelle McClain, at the group’s meeting Oct. 6.

“We have a wide variety of items available,” said McClain. “They include walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, and some bedside medical equipment.

“We want to encourage any veteran, with any length of service, to contact us if they need these items,” she said.

The DAV also provides rides for appointments to VA medical facilities in Seattle. According to chapter commander John Callahan, 73 passengers traveled to Seattle VA in the past month.

“We want to thank and commend our volunteer drivers, and encourage anyone who would like to help in this way, to give us a call,” said Callahan. Van rides must be scheduled through the DAV office.

The DAV winter conference is set from October 20 to 23, and two local members plan to attend.

As for fundraising, one of the most important days of the year for DAV is fast approaching, said Callahan.

“Our Forget-Me-Not fund drive is scheduled for Veteran’s Day, which this year falls on the second Friday of November,” he said. The small, blue flowers, that are distributed by donation, have formed the basis of DAV chapter-level fundraising for more than 80 years. Members will staff tables set up in front of Walmart, Saar’s Marketplace, Ace Hardware, NAS Whidbey Island’s Navy Exchange and the Commissary.

The DAV seeks to stay updated on the technological front as well. The group approved plans help pay for and mount a booster antenna on Building 13 on the Seaplane Base, which  will help enhance WiFi capability in the office.

Anyone who would like to help carry on the work done by DAV may contact them at 257-4801.