Members of General Anthony Wayne Chapter 58, Disabled American Veterans, and its Auxiliary broke ground Monday afternoon on its new chapter home on Short Lane in Gloucester.

When completed, the 6,400-square-foot structure will provide a large meeting/dining space, kitchen and administrative offices in which to conduct daily DAV business and to assist area veterans with Veterans Administration-related claims. Space will also be available to help veterans with employment issues.

About 50 people were in attendance, with some DAV members traveling from Virginia Beach and the Portsmouth/Suffolk area for the ceremony. Gloucester Board of Supervisors chair Louise Theberge and vice chair Buddy Rilee represented the county, with Theberge delivering remarks to the crowd.

Others present at the ceremony were local architect Byron Williams, Gordon Jones of Bay Design, Chuck Davis of C.W. Davis Construction, Steve Callis of Chesapeake Bank, Bill Strack of Henderson Construction of Williamsburg, 2010-2011 DAV State Commander Clarence Woods, and Jamar L. Blyther, outreach specialist with the Norfolk Vet Center.

DAV Chapter 58 has over 250 members, serving Gloucester, Mathews and Middlesex counties. Construction of the new chapter home is expected to be finished by November.

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