DAV continues to help community veterans throughout the year

The year may be on the downhill slide, but the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V) Chapter 47 is staying active in the community and meeting the needs of local veterans, with the community's support.

“The chapter (D.A.V. Chapter 47 of Big Spring) has been busy the past couple of months and we still have a couple more things to do,” Sr. Vice Commander Mike Tarpley, said.

The most recent outreach included the Thanksgiving Meal for the veterans housed at the West Texas VA Medical Center CLC and Domiciliary. There were more than 30 veterans fed by a partnership with Als BBQ and H-E-B.

“The holiday season can be hard for those who do not have family around. We want to make sure that our veterans know they are not forgotten. They can still enjoy the holidays,” he said. Next up will be the Christmas meals at the West Texas VA and for Lamun Lusk Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home.

“We will be preparing steaks for the residents at the veterans home (Lamun Lusk Sanchez) and once again we will be serving a catered meal at the VFW for the dom and CLC residents,” he said.

September kicked off the busy season with the Memorial at the Plaza - honoring those who lost their lives since 9/11 - followed by the annual Dove Hunt and Bikes Across Big Spring hosted by Star Dodge. Members of the D.A.V. have also been representing the D.A.V. and local veterans at the recent United Way Empty Bowls event.

“The D.A.V. is one of the supported agencies of United Way, and we are happy to be able to join in their community events and help bring awareness to local veterans,” Tarpley said. D.A.V. Chapter Member and Dove Hunt Honoree Brandon Kemper was part of the Veterans Day ceremony at Lamun Lusk Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home. In an annual support, Tarpley and D.A.V. Chapter Treasurer Danny Martinez also attended the Purple Heart Hunt in Eden, Texas. “I attended this hunt years ago and it served as the inspiration for the Dove Hunt we started here. Each year, we return to help out and each year they have supported our chapter,” Tarpley said.

In addition to meeting the needs of veterans around the holidays, the D.A.V. is currently working with Crossroads Housing Development in hopes of providing assistance to a veteran looking for a place to call home. “Crossroads Housing Development along with students from Big Spring High School Construction Trades III class were able to redo a house and is offering an opportunity for a veteran to get into that home with some assistance from Crossroads and the D.A.V.,” Tarpley said.

For those applying for the purchase of the house, a completed application does require a pre-approval for the loan. Applications will be reviewed and approval granted to the first veteran or veteran family who returns the application completed.

“This house is classified as low income housing and is listed at $118,800 so applicants will need to meet the criteria of low-income according to HUD guidelines. However, there will be substantial support in downpayment for the approved buyer. Crossroads Housing will be providing $15,000 in partnership with the D.A.V. also providing close to $10,000,” Tarpley said.

To find out how to support the D.A.V. in their outreach efforts or to inquire about the house, contact Mike Tarpley at 432-556-2227.