MN DAV Chapter 39 Clothing Drive coming to Cub Foods, Riverdale Mall parking lot, 12940 Riverdale Drive, Coon Rapids, MN 55448 on Sat. August 14 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sun., August 15, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Look for our DAV signs and trailer. Proceeds from the clothing drive support area Veterans. Please bag or box your clothing, shoes and small household items.
MN DAV Chapter 39 and Auxiliary Unit 39 will conduct their monthly member meetings on Thursday, August 12 at 6:30 PM at the VFW, Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN 55433. Agenda will include updates from those attending the DAV National Convention and the Leo Luskey DAV Golf Committee. Details to volunteer for the August clothing drive and the September Forget-Me-Not fundraiser will be reviewed. CDC and MN Dept. of Health updated guidance related to the recent COVID variant rise in cases in Anoka County “recommends” wear of masks for indoor gatherings, and “mandates” wear for those unvaccinated.
On Member Monday we highlight our members involved in their communities. Today we highlight William Gordon, an Air Force veteran and an active member of MN DAV Chapter 39. This year he was elected as the Chapter’s commander and chairman of the Leo Luskey 5th Annual Golf Tournament committee. Gordon has served twice as the Chapter’s junior vice commander. His support to veterans and their families is evidenced as a member of the DAV honor detail at cemetery committal services and participates in state and regional DAV conferences ensuring legislative support for veterans. During the DAV Centennial celebration in 2020, Gordon lived up to the organization’s challenge to conduct “100 Acts of Honor” as he volunteered at Chapter fund-raising events and during the winter months of 2019 and early 2020, presenting embroidered DAV blankets to veterans residing assisted living facilities throughout the Chapter’s five-plus county area.
On Member Monday we highlight our members involved in their communities. Today we highlight Travis Rust, an active member of MN DAV Chapter 39. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Harrier Mechanic from 1999 to 2001.
This year Rust was elected as the Chapter’s junior vice commander and is a committee member of the Leo Luskey 5th Annual DAV Golf Tournament. His support to veterans extends beyond the DAV. He also serves as president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 292 Veterans Committee which supports the Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity organization building homes for low-income veterans. A master electrician and an apprenticeship instructor for Minneapolis Electrical JATC, the Marine Corps veteran enjoys the outdoors and time on the golf course.
On Member Monday we highlight our members involved in their communities. Today we highlight Scott Berndt, serving 23 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. He currently serves as the adjutant and treasurer for MN DAV Chapter 39, and committee member of the Leo Luskey Annual DAV Golf Tournament https://anoka39davmn.com/leo-luskey-annual-dav-golf-tournament/
Berndt became a lifetime DAV member in 1997 and rebuilt the clothing donation program for the entire state. He and his wife, Nancy, have both served in many elected positions, supporting veterans at the chapter and state level for Department of Minnesota DAV. Most recently, Scott and Nancy served two terms as state commanders of MN DAV and MN DAV Auxiliary, respectively. They both also volunteer at Mary Ann Young Center in Blaine helping seniors prepare their taxes.
A Minnesotan, Berndt was born in Hayward and raised on the shores of Lake Superior. Now, a resident of Andover, his passions include continuing to support veterans in Anoka and surrounding counties, spending time with his growing family, and the outdoors, as owner and Captain of N & S Charter Boat Fishing on the Great Lakes https://n-sgreatlakesfishing.com/meet-the-crew
As MN DAV Chapter 39 voted not to have a June or July meeting, our next meeting will be held on August 12, 2021 at 6:30 PM at the VFW, 1919 Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN 55433.
On Member Monday we highlight our members involved in their communities. Today we highlight Loyd Brandvold, a lifetime and active member of Minnesota Disabled American Veterans Chapter 39. Brandvold, a Minnesotan, is a proud U.S. Army veteran and successful Twin-Cities businessman. His passions include spending time with his family and supporting area veterans and their families. He has served multiple terms as an elected officer with MN DAV Chapter 39 and helped grow the organization to more than 1,200 members in Anoka and surrounding counties. Brandvold has volunteered at most of the Chapter’s fund-raising events to include clothing drives, bagging groceries, Forget-Me-Not campaigns, and the annual Golf Tournament https://anoka39davmn.com/leo-luskey-annual-dav-golf-tournament/