Brownsville DAV Chapter Thanks Community For Over Half Million Dollars In Benefits For Local Vets/Families

Darren Doyle, story:
The Disabled American Veterans membership and Auxiliary, Chapter 32 in Brownsville, has mailed a special statement to the Edmonson Voice for the purpose of thanking the Brownsville and Edmonson County community for their support during 2017.

"Chapter 32 was responsible for $514K of lifetime annual income, education, and healthcare benefits for veterans and their families in Edmonson County and surrounding communities in 2017," the statement read.

According to their letter, the chapter service met with hundreds of veterans and filed 131 compensation claims last year. Because the organization is made up of all volunteers, the group depends heavily on fundraisers that are supported by the local community.

"These statistics are amazing and were the result of a lot of dedicated volunteer hours," read the statement. "The results are 'blessings' to each and every one of our members."

"One particular claim success brings all the blessings to light. An Edmonson County woman came in to inquire about a possible survivor pension for herself. Her husband was a military retiree and was 100% service connected through the Veterans Administration. He died and the VA compensation he was drawing was taken away. She was alone and living on $300 a month and her lodging was being taken care of by a neighbor. She was 85 years old. We submitted a claim for her and it was approved. Her income increased by 5 times. She was so grateful to DAV she baked several cakes for us and delivered them herself."

According to Mike Stoyonovich, who sent the written statement, stories like the local elderly woman's is the reason the local chapter works with veterans and their families to maximize those benefits.

The chapter is located at the corner of Veterans and Washington Streets next to Brownsville City Hall. Meetings with veterans are held on Fridays beginning at 7:30am continue until veterans are gone. Veterans are encouraged to bring DD214 (discharge) and any military records to be evaluated for a possible claim. Donations are always accepted at their PO Box: 
Disabled American Veterans
PO BOX 733
Brownsville KY 42210.  

The statement concluded with "God Bless our Citizens, Veterans, and the United States of America!"