The Limestone chapter of Disabled American Veterans is hosting a fundraiser organized by one of the veterans benefited by the chapter.

Limestone County veteran Randy Welcher retired in 2013 from the U.S. Army. He said he went through a series of physicals with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs but needed help navigating his benefits.

“It’s complicated,” Welcher said. “Somebody that doesn’t do it or doesn’t really know what is available to them can’t fathom it and figure it all out by themselves.”

Luckily, he found the DAV and James L. Daniels Chapter 51.

“I got with a chapter service officer, and the DAV helped navigate me through the system,” Welcher said. “They helped me tremendously.”

Now he’s a lifetime member who wants to make sure they can help other veterans. To that end, he has organized a raffle to raise funds for DAV and the veterans it empowers.

Five hundred tickets at $20 each will be sold between now and the drawing at 6 p.m. Sept. 3. The drawing will take place at the Vietnam Veterans of America building at 17915 Elm St., Athens.

Three prizes are up for grabs. First place will receive an Armalite AR-15, second place will get a 9 mm Ruger LC9S and third place will receive a $150 gift certificate to Last Resort Guns on County Line Road.

Winners will be responsible for picking up their prize at Last Resort Guns. All federal firearm laws apply. Winners must also pass a background check to obtain their firearm. A failed background check will result in a redraw for first and second places.

To purchase tickets, call or text Bob Borden at 256-509-1306.

Where the funds go

Proceeds from the raffle — up to $10,000 — will support veterans in Limestone County.

“That money will go back to veterans that need to go to VA appointments and veterans that need relief, like help with bills, gas, electricity,” Welcher said.

The DAV also works to support veterans by building access ramps, helping veterans understand their benefits and providing military honors at veteran funerals through the Veterans Burial Detail, among other things.

Bouncing back

About this time last year, the organization was worried about its future.

Last June, Chapter 51 Commander Jonathan M. Flanary said the 2008 financial crisis had dealt a hefty blow to the local chapter. He said the organization had struggled to recover, making it hard to provide key support services. However, the organization has persevered.

Welcher said DAV was like a lot of other veteran-based organizations in that older veterans are keeping them going. He encouraged veterans of all ages but particularly younger generations to find out more about DAV.

“It’s really an awesome organization,” he said.

According to DAV.org, any man or woman who served in the armed forces during a period of war under conditions simulating war; was wounded, disabled to any degree or left with long-term illness as a result of service; and who was discharged or retired under honorable conditions is eligible for membership.

James L. Daniels Chapter 51 meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Alabama Veterans Museum while the chapter house on Airport Road is being repaired. The chapter can be reached by contacting Borden or at https://fb.me/ALDAV51/.

About DAV

Disabled American Veterans provides support for veterans of all generations and their families.

There are more than 1,300 chapters and more than 1 million members across the nation. The Limestone County chapter, known as James L. Daniels Chapter 51, was founded in 1954.

Nationally, the organization provides more than 600,000 rides to veterans attending medical appointments and assists veterans with more than 200,000 benefit claims each year. According to their website, DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs and providing resources to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the American dream their sacrifices have made possible.