Located along Short Lane, behind WXGM and just past two wooden soldiers, is the home of Gloucester’s Disabled American Veterans Chapter 58.
Since 1920 the DAV has been helping veterans find support in their lives after their service to the nation. Chapter 58 was chartered in 1988 with its current location being built in 2010.
Staffed by volunteers, many of whom served in the armed forces, the DAV has the primary function of helping veterans and their families apply for benefits and services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Chapter 58’s Commander Louis Valcourt said that this chapter has the highest application approval rating in the state.
Chapter 58’s First Vice Commander Jerry Flannagan said the chapter provides a level of comfort to those it assists. Flannagan has met veterans who have life-threatening illness and widows who want to make sure they and their families will be taken care of. The work the DAV does lets those they serve rest easy knowing that they’ll be taken care of.
Flannagan said that it can be difficult sometimes to hear the stories of those who come in, but these people sometimes need a shoulder to cry on.
The needs of veterans are diverse and the DAV meets those needs to through different funding solutions and programs. A new program that the DAV can assist with filing for is Aid and Attendance. Aid and Attendance is a program with Veterans Affairs that pays for in-home care for veterans.
The members of Chapter 58 are concerned that not enough people in the county know about the Gloucester chapter and the services it offers. They worry that there are veterans and military families in the area that do not know all the resources they are entitled to.
Flannagan said he sees people make the mistake of hiring lawyers to help them file for benefits because they are unaware of the DAV’s services. He said the lawyers give them the same paperwork that the DAV would, with the only difference being the cost of hired legal counsel. The DAV offers its service at no charge.
The biggest advice that Valcourt and Flannagan can offer anyone seeking assistance from the DAV is for them to bring their DDT-214 form. Without a DDT-214 there is little the DAV can do to help. For those unsure if they have their DDT-214, the DAV can help you get a new one.
Along with visibility, Chapter 58 is also in need of more volunteer service officers. The service officers help veterans and their families apply for benefits. To inquire about joining the DAV, give them a call at 804-695-1558 or come by in person. The Gloucester DAV is located at 6265 Professional Drive, off Short Lane.
In addition to veteran services, the DAV also has a large event hall that is available to rent. The event hall can hold over 100 people, and has a large kitchen with amenities. Call the DAV for more information about renting the hall.