By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
On Tuesday night, November 12th, I was invited to attend a meeting of our local Disabled American Veterans Chapter, located at 25396 Airport Rd just off of AL Hwy 127. Its official, chartered name is the James L Daniels DAV Chapter #51. The occasion was the annual celebration of what is known as the Missing Man Table (or sometimes Fallen Comrade Table), which is held each year in remembrance of those who were killed in action or the many who are still missing. The ceremony is usually held on POW/MIA Day which is September 20; however, it can also be held any time in November which is Veterans’ Month, in conjunction with Veterans Day, or can be commemorated at Memorial Day.
The positioning of the table, tablecloth, place setting, salt shaker, wedge of lemon, overturned glass, rose in a vase, yellow ribbon, and more all have symbolic significance, and Mayor Marks had been asked to conduct the ceremony.
After the ceremony we were treated to supper, and then I learned from various members about this particular DAV chapter — what they do, who and how they help, and some of their desires. The DAV has many purposes, and are described as follows:
“DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year. Annually, the organization provides more than 600,000 rides to veterans attending medical appointments and assists veterans with well over 200,000 benefit claims. In 2019, DAV helped veterans receive more than $21 billion in earned benefits. DAV’s services are offered at no cost to all generations of veterans, their families and survivors.
DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs, and providing resources to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the American Dream their sacrifices have made possible.
With nearly 1,300 chapters and more than 1 million members across the country, DAV empowers our nation’s heroes and their families by helping to provide the resources they need and ensuring our nation keeps the promises made to them.”
Sometimes help comes in the form of paying rent or a utility bill. Chapter 51 has adopted Limestone Manor and Limestone Lodge and looks out for veterans living in both facilities.
This year, DAV #51 is going to be involved with Elkmont’s Tinsel Trail to raise awareness about the chapter. They also have various fund-raisers including the forget-me-not drives.
It’s important to know that you don’t have to be a disabled vet to join, but you do need to have had a vet in your family, and they don’t need to be disabled. The chapter is looking to add non-vets to the DAV Auxiliary arm of the organization in order to increase their ability to serve. Speaking of organizations, the DAV also works with, the other local service organizations, the American Red Cross, and Service to Armed Forces. The meetings are held once a month on the second Tuesday at 6 p.m., and becoming involved may just be the perfect gift for you or your family this holiday season. Remember that it is always more blessed to give than to receive, and we thank the DAV for all that they are doing in this community.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
November 14, 2024
