Minnesota Softball Military Appreciation Organization invites DAV and Unit Members for the 5th Annual MSMA Softball Tournament, Sept. 6th, 7th & 8th at Sand Creek Athletic Complex in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. An entire weekend dedicated to honoring our local Veterans and their Families for everything they have sacrificed. Friday night, Sept. 6, 6:25 pm – 11:00 pm MSMA focuses our attention on the Armed Forces division of the tournament as softball players who serve(d) our country fight for bragging rights over other branch teams. The Armed Forces championship game is being held on Saturday, Sept. 7, 8:00 am – 11:00 pm. The tournament concludes on Sunday, Sept. 8, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Tons of softball to watch and MSMA hopes that you can come out to help make this one of the biggest and best softball events of the year! No cost to Veterans, Active Duty Military or their Family members. Athletic Complex is located at 1008 Northdale Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448.
Fishing with Vets… one of the many participating softball teams
Retired Minnesota Army National Guard veteran Stephen Whitehead was unanimously elected national commander of the more than 1 million member DAV (Disabled American Veterans) today at the organization’s 98th National Convention in Orlando, Florida. Whitehead is the first post-9/11 veteran chosen to lead the organization and will lead the organization as it marks its centennial in 2020.
“As this great organization is set to turn 100-years-old, I couldn’t be prouder to be in a position to jumpstart DAV’s success for another century,” said Whitehead.
Whitehead enlisted at the age of 17 in 1991, serving two overseas tours in Iraq with the Minnesota Army National Guard. In February of 2007, in Scania, Iraq, his base came under mortar attack and he sustained a mild traumatic brain injury. The Bronze Star recipient retired this year as Command Sergeant Major for the Cambridge-based 84th Troop Command in the Minnesota Army National Guard, after 27 years of military service.
“Today wasn’t about me—today and the next year is all about our members and our fellow veterans all across this nation,” said Whitehead. “I am here to make sure all of their voices are heard and fight as hard as I can to protect their benefits and fight for legislation that positions all veterans in the best situation possible.”
5 EYEWITENSS NEWS asks newly elected national DAV commander, a Minnesotan, what he sees as the biggest challenge facing veterans right now… https://amp.kstp.com/articles/minnesota-veteran-stephen-whitehead-named-commander-of-disabled-american-veterans-group-5474951.html?cat=1&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter_KSTP&__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR0kZV7XHUe2Bg5uK-0w4Zse1c6RFcIke4m7H7zHhH4QovZMD8m1NKe7gaM New National DAV Commander Butch Whitehead (photo by MN DAV Chapter 39 Past Commander, Thomas Boling)
DAV–Disabled American Veterans–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. The organization provides more than 670,000 rides for veterans attending medical appointments and assists veterans with more than 250,000 benefit claims annually. In 2016, DAV helped attain more than $4 billion in new and retroactive benefits to care for 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 almost 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.
https://youtu.be/lSubzVSDIJM
The 4th annual MN DAV Chapter 39 Golf Tournament kicks off at noon on Wed., July 10th. One of our biggest fundraising events supporting area Veterans is made possible by our sponsors, Refuge Golf Club, participants, and our Chapter and Unit volunteers.
Victory for veterans! Tonight’s Senate passage of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act means tens of thousands of Vietnam veterans who served in the waters offshore will soon be able to receive benefits for illnesses they suffered due to Agent Orange exposure. Next it goes to the President for a signature.
Meeting tonight, June 13, at 6:30 PM. There will be no meetings in July. MN DAV Chapter 39 meets at the Coon Rapids VFW, 1919 Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN 55433.
Please join the Anoka American Legion Edward B. Cutter Post 102 on Monday, May 27th, for a Memorial Day Service to honor and remember those who have served our country. The program will begin at 10 a.m. at the new Riverfront Memorial Park just north of Anoka City Hall (2201 2nd Ave.). This new park includes many features from the former Veterans Memorial, plus new features including a Walk of Honor. The North Suburban Concert Band will perform on the new stage and there will be student recitations, a guest speaker, and laying of the wreaths. With limited bleacher seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to allow for more seating. Parking is available at Anoka City Hall, on the street and in the municipal parking ramp. Parking on 2nd Avenue will be reserved for handicap accessible. Please call the Anoka American Legion with any questions at 763-421-0883.
From the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the National Memorial Day Concert is a 90-minute performance of remembrance dedicated to our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all those who have given their lives for our country. Dedicated to Gold Star Families, watch the entire performance, courtesy of PBS, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMmp0ENoJUY
