Veterans enjoy a banquet and safety briefing before heading out to annul MN DAV turkey hunt.

Congratulations to MN DAV’S newly elected officers to serve Minnesota’s Veterans.  Commander Scott Berndt (MN DAV Chapter 39 adjutant), Sr. Vice Commander Ron Haugen, 1st Jr. Vice Michael Aguirre, 2nd Jr. Vice Thomas Annonson, 3rd Jr. Vice Ellsworth Fields, 4th Jr. Vice Bruce Pederson, Chaplain Oather Martin, Treasurer John Walker, and PDC Rick Jarvis.

(by Kritina Dahlin)… Had such a wonderful time at the DAV Spring Convention in Duluth! I was honored to present the flag and be Sgt. At Arms for Nancy! Great friends, fun and of course beautiful scenery! Congratulations to my dear friend Nancy Berndt on her second year as State Commander of the Auxiliary and congratulations to all the Auxiliary line officers on another wonderful year ahead! Congratulations to Scott Berndt as his first year as State Commander for the DAV/MN!  Congratulations Butch Whitehead on his run for National Commander! They all deserve it!

(Fox 29 Kathrine Huntley reporting)… The Disabled American Veterans conference took place at the downtown Duluth Holiday Inn.  At nearly 100 years old, the DAV says they have a simple purpose, to fulfill the promises of men and women who served before, and take care of veterans. The DAV assists nearly 20,000 disabled veterans in Minnesota.  At this year’s convention, a topic they’re focused on is removing the eight year limit on property tax exemptions for widows.  “So many of our widows have had to move into a something they can afford because they can’t afford where they’re at right now, and that’s just not fair. These widows have given up so much of their life to take care of these veterans and we need to fight for this,” said Stephen Whitehead department adjutant for the DAV in Minnesota. Many of the people who work with the DAV are veterans themselves, and each national service officer is a vet.  So the organization is truly vets helping vets.  “We’ve actually been through the ring so to speak so we know exactly what to expect through the whole process with the claim so anytime they come to us we actually have been thought the process and make it known that it is not as scary as it sounds,” said Matthew Jahn, a national service officer assistant supervisor Watch the broadcast at https://www.fox21online.com/2019/04/26/disabled-american-veterans-hosts-annual-convention/?fbclid=IwAR035g0EWQPWV1rhFl4uL4yCaYdGMPdmTGMhoU8020G0mcBytOK8GdXG8r0

Happy Easter. Remembering all our troops deployed throughout the globe and their Families.

New officers for MN DAV Chapter 39 include Commander Paul Kampa, Senior Vice Commander Loyd Brandvold, Junior Vice Commander William Gordon, Treasurer Michael Stenquist, Judge Advocate Terry Plaster, and Chaplain Becky Killinger. Leading the new officers in oath is the MN DAV Vice Commander Scott Berndt at the March 18, 2019 chapter meeting. (photo by Ken Plant, Chapter webmaster).

Due to last week’s blizzard MN DAV Chapter 39 meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 18 at 6:30PM at the Coon Rapids VFW. This is a very important meeting to elect our new officers. Last month nominations were made to fill Chapter officer positions. Any member in good standing can run as a Chapter line officer.

Robert Dale Bormes died unexpectedly March 20, 2019, at the age of 72 years old. He was born in St. Cloud, MN on November 10, 1946, to Robert H. and Darlene L. (Liestman) Bormes.  Bob graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1966. He was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Larson on May 23, 1970, in Anoka, MN. Bob proudly served his country in the United States Navy from February 1974 to December 1994. While in the Navy, he achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E-7). Upon leaving the Navy, he earned his electrical degree and worked as an electrician for 15 years. Bob was an active contributor in many organizations. He worshiped at Pine Grove Bible Church, where he organized the local blood drive, among his many forms of service. He was a member of the MN DAV Chapter 39 Honor Guard since 1994 and served as chaplain. He was active in the Minnesota Church of God state board and involved with the annual state church camp. He could always be counted on for building projects for the Church of God, for family, and for friends. Bob will be missed by so many people. He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his bride of 48 years, Shirley, along with their sons Robert J. (Cheryl) and Brian A. (Jetmi). Also missing him terribly will be his grandchildren whom he adored: Emily, Samuel, Hannah, Kennedy and Isaiah. Bob will be missed so much by his father, Robert, and siblings: Karen (David) Hansen, Gary (Ailll), David (Carlene), Mark (Julie) and Pam (Mike) Theisen along with many nephews and nieces. Bob was preceded in death by his mother in 2009. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bob may be donated to the American Cancer Society, DAV, or the American Red Cross.

Wearing your purple today? “Purple Up! for Military Youth,” is an initiative encouraging everyone to show their support by wearing the color purple April 15th.  The choice of color comes from a combination of all the military branch colors, symbolizing bringing all military children together in celebration.  More than 15,000 children in Minnesota have been affected by a parent’s deployment. In honor of their sacrifice Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will send children of Service Members and Veterans a letter of gratitude in honor of their service and sacrifice. Link to register: https://www.mdva.state.mn.us/motmc/

CALL TODAY… We need a MINIMUM of 42 Chapter and Unit members to make the May 5th Treasure Island Casino trip a “GO” this Spring. Cost is $25.00 which includes a $3.00 meal ticket and $15.00 casino play credit. Call Unit members Dorothy Hegna at (763) 571-4042, or Nancy Berndt (763) 427-3544, or Diane Bohlman (763) 757-1550 to sign up and receive details on where and when the casino bus will depart.