Disabled American Veterans Alive And Well In Watauga County By Sherrie Norris Jeff Shellman, General Manager of The Dan’l Boone Inn, with the assistance of his two daughters, Anna and Sarah, accepted a certificate of appreciation from DAV Color Guard members, Michael Trivette and Buddy Townsend on behalf of the restaurant. Photo by Sherrie Norris During its November meeting, the Watauga County Chapter 90 of the Disabled American Veterans paid tribute to its recently formed Color Guard, expressed appreciation to a local business for its show of support, and announced the winner of a fundraising raffle . . . in addition to treating members and guests to a delicious Italian dinner at the DAV/American Legion Post in Boone. Invocation was led by DAV Chaplain, Michael Trivette prior to the meal. DAV Commander Dewey Pruitt presided over the regular scheduled monthly meeting, assisted by Senior Vice-Commander/Color Guard Commander Douglas Hempe, who led the Guard in an impressive display of colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Pruitt and Hempe both took time to thank the veterans for their participation, welcomed a new member, several visitors, and reflected on the activities and services provided for their fellow comrades. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a plaque to Jeff Shellman, General Manager of the Dan’l Boone Inn, in appreciation for the support the business has shown the organization. For several months, the DAV was allowed to set up a booth near the restaurant’s entrance to raise money for their continued operation, in addition to purchasing new uniforms for the Color Guard. Their main fundraiser included a raffle for a new Dell 6000 laptop computer, which was given away during the special meeting. Shellman, with the assistance of his two daughters, Anna and Sarah, pulled the winning ticket, which belonged to Coy Miller of the Aho community. Pruitt emphasized the importance of fundraising, since the organization is an independent entity and unfortunately receives no government support. “If it wasn’t for the public helping us, we wouldn’t be able to have these nice new uniforms, nor would we be able to transport our veterans back and forth from Boone to the VA medical centers for doctor’s appointments.” Pruitt stated the majority of their trips were to Asheville and Johnson City, Tenn., which with the recent escalation of gas prices, proved to be very costly ventures, but ones they were determined to continue if at all possible. Earl Moretz, Commander of the American Legion, was also present for the meeting, as is not unusual, since both organizations share the same building as well as some of the same members and acts of community service. Hempe, who established the color guard earlier this year, stated it was begun with the primary intention of working closely with families of veterans. “We want to make sure that military funerals are represented by both the American Legion Firing Squads and the Color Guard. Our deceased veterans deserve this honor.” Since March of this year, Hempe states, the Color Guard has assisted with fourteen funerals, from attendance and participation in the actual service, to presentation of the flag at the gravesite. Additionally, the Color Guard led both Boone and Blowing Rock Independence Day parades and anticipates participating in both municipalities’ upcoming holiday parades. DAV Commander Pruitt lauded Hempe for organizing the Guard and for the assistance he brings to his side. “His heart is in the right place . . . I couldn’t ask for a better Senior-Vice.” Hempe responded, “I don’t need that kind of praise . . . we get our rewards by knowing we’ve been able to help the veterans and their families in time of need. That’s what we’re all about.” The DAV members are looking forward to participating in the upcoming World War II Veteran’s Recognition Service at Boone Baptist Church on Sunday, November 13, in addition to the annual Veteran’s Day festivities at Golden Corral, where they will set up a booth for the long-weekend and enjoy a meal with their comrades on the 14th. As the special meeting came to a close, it was plain to see these men and women take seriously their roles in representing other Disabled American Veterans in and around Watauga County. The walls of their meeting place are covered in memorabilia from days gone by – some evoked fond memories of awards, newspaper clippings, etc. But one message, in particular, was very clear – the names of their fallen comrades from Watauga County . . . from every conflict . . . were in plain view for all to see . . . and it’s the memory of these supreme sacrifices that stay foremost in each of their minds every day. The Disabled American Veterans . . . . The American Legion . . . .one meeting place . . . one heart . . . one mission. Don’t forget to support them . . . they won’t forget you, either.