With CDC guidelines now allowing us to return to summer activities, members of MN DAV Chapter 39 voted not to have a meeting in June or July. Check back soon for an update on our upcoming clothing fundraiser and an update on the Leo Luskey 5th Annual DAV Golf Tournament.

For countless families across the nation, Memorial Day is a stark and often painful reminder of those who were never afforded the opportunity to be honored as veterans for their service to our country.  Let us honor the memory of heroes no longer with us. May we strive to live up to the example set by such selfless patriots each and every day. #MemorialDay #thankyou

Bring your clothing and shoes to DAV Clothing Drive this Saturday and Sunday to help support area Veterans. The fundraising event will be held at County Market,13735 Round Lake Blvd., Andover, MN 55304 on Sat. May 15, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sun., May 15, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please bag your donations.

MN DAV Chapter 39 and Auxiliary Unit 39 will meet on Thursday, May 13 at the VFW, 1919 Coon Rapids, MN 55433. The agenda includes updates of the upcoming Golf Tournament, Clothing Drive, Memorial Day services, and Women’s Spa Day. Congratulations to our newly elected Chapter 39 officers, Commander William Gordon, Senior Vice Commander Eva Smith, First Junior Vice Travis Rust, Judge Advocate Raymond Christianson, and Chaplain Daniel Lynch.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will hold a virtual Memorial Day program again this year. As variants of the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to increases in positive cases throughout the state, MDVA is taking a cautious approach by providing a virtual event to recognize Memorial Day as was done in 2020. The cemeteries remain open and visitors are welcome to visit on Memorial Day when American flags will be displayed along the entrance street and on all graves in the cemeteries. “Historically, the Memorial Day events at our three State Veterans Cemeteries have drawn thousands of visitors. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic requires a continued commitment to the health and safety of our Cemetery families and staff,” explains MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “Building on the success of last year’s program, we are confident that we can again virtually honor and pay our respects to Minnesota Veterans who have passed.” MDVA will again partner with Twin Cities PBS-TPT to create a 30-minute Memorial Day program entitled “Reflections: Memorial Day 2021” that will be broadcast across the state on TPT’s Minnesota Channel at 8 p.m. on Monday, May 31. The program will include remarks from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Commissioner Herke, personal stories about those we have lost and honor on Memorial Day, music and a rifle salute traditionally included in a live event. More details on the program will be shared in the coming weeks.

Congratulations to MN DAV Chapter 39 elected officers, William Gordon, Commander; Eva Smith, Senior Vice Commander; Travis Rust, Junior Vice Commander; Scott Berndt, Treasurer; Daniel Lynch, Chaplain; and Ray Christianson, Judge Advocate.  Scott Berndt, Chapter 39 Adjutant and MN State Commander, led the newly elected officers in their oath of office on April 8, 2021.

MN DAV Chapter 39 Clothing Drive coming to Cub Foods, 12900 Riverdale Drive NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448 on Sat.  April 17th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sun., April 18th, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Look for our DAV trailer and volunteers in the parking lot.  Proceeds from the clothing drive supports area Veterans.  Please bag your clothing and shoes.  PLEASE MASK-UP FOR SAFETY.

MN DAV Chapter 39 and Auxiliary Unit 39 will conduct their monthly meetings on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at the VFW located at 1919 Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN 55433. The Chapter will hold its election of officers. There will be a signup sheet to support the Clothing Drive on April 17 & 18 at Cub Food at the Riverdale Mall (next to Walmart just off Hwy 10 and Round Lake Blvd).

MN DAV Chapter 39 has organized a Spa Day for Female Veterans on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Spa treatment followed by a lunch at Pizza Ranch comes courtesy of the Chapter.. If you are interested in participating call Nancy at (763) 427-3544.

MN DAV Chapter 39 & Auxiliary Unit 39 will conduct monthly meetings on Thurs., March 11, 2021, 6:30 PM at the VFW, 1919 Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN 55433. The Chapter will solicit nominations for new officers at this meeting. Any member of the Chapter in good standing can run for an officer position. Election and installation will occur at the April 8th meeting. MN Chapter 39 is seeking new DAV members. As an incentive, new members need only pay $50.00 for a Lifetime Membership, with the remaining funds paid by the Chapter. The Auxiliary Unit is also conducting a membership campaign. Volunteers are needed to assist with making pillowcases for a local disabled Veterans project. A reminder that “Spa Day” is coming this month. The Chapter’s first clothing drive fundraiser will be held in the parking lot of Cub Food at Riverdale Mall (next to Walmart), Hwy 10 & Round Lake Blvd on April 17 & 18. Volunteers can signup at the March meeting or call the Chapter Adjutant, Scott Berndt.
Attendance requires wear of a MASK THROUGHOUT the meetings, maintain social distancing and no more than three people per table.  If you are ill or don’t feel good, please stay at home.  There is no requirement that you have to attend the meetings.