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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Connect and support

Last DAV in Spokane County offers camaraderie, assistance to veterans

Each fall and spring area residents have the opportunity to pin a small blue flower on their lapels and make a donation to a worthy cause. For more than 80 years, these tiny blossoms of remembrance have offered a way to help the Disabled American Veterans association provide assistance to those who were disabled while in the service of their country.

The twice yearly Forget-Me-Not sale is also a way for a Spokane Valley group to remind people about their valuable mission. DAV No. 6 is the last remaining local chapter of the DAV in Spokane County.

Though their membership is dwindling, the group works hard to make a difference in the lives of area veterans. Commander Rick Cook said, “I’ve got a check for $500 for Honor Flight.” That check represents the proceeds from their most recent Forget-Me-Not sale.

In addition to generating funds, the blue flowers provide awareness about the DAV and its work. Founded in 1920 by disabled veterans returning from World War I, the 1.2 million-member organization is a nonprofit, dedicated to improving the lives of America’s disabled veterans and their families. With service men and women currently returning from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, organizers believe the DAV’s services and advocacy are just as relevant and critical today.

The group meets the second Saturday of each month at the Spokane Valley VFW post on David Road. Cook said one of the advantages of membership is that the DAV has a highly-trained service officer. This individual specializes in helping disabled veterans understand and receive their benefits. Wading through forms regarding disability compensation, VA pension, death benefits, VA medical care, Social Security disability benefits and job programs can be overwhelming. Cook said the expert advice offered by the DAV can smooth the way for returning vets.

However, equally important is the peer support the group provides. “We offer comradeship with other veterans,” Cook said.

Harry Goedde has enjoyed that camaraderie for 55 years. He joined DAV No. 6 shortly after he got out of the service following World War II. “My uncle who was a World War I vet convinced me to join,” he said.

Goedde’s wartime experiences could fill a book. In fact, he’s writing one. Washington State University has expressed interested in publishing his memoir, titled “From the Depression Into World War II.”

He served under Gen. George Patton, survived the Battle of the Bulge, and was wounded on the Rhine River in Germany. “We had the watch on the Rhine,” he recalled. “A sniper shot me through both legs – he got two of us with one shot.”

The bullet passed through Goedde’s legs and lodged in his buddy’s leg. After looking at the X-rays, the doctor treating them shook his head and said, “I’m going to have the bullet cut in half and give you each half.”

But Goedde and his buddy were separated. It would be 42 years until they met again. They owe their reunion, in part, to the DAV. “I put a small ad in the DAV magazine,” Goedde said. His friend was told about the notice and called him.

Goedde is proud of the way the DAV improves the lives of area veterans. “For Christmas we bought TVs for the rooms at the Veterans retirement home,” he said.

Cook agreed that giving back is a satisfying part of DAV membership. He noted that the group helped with the recent National Veterans Wheelchair Games. “We assisted the athletes,” he said.

But both men stress the organization’s true value is in providing a place for disabled veterans to connect and support one another. They hope more troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will join them. “With comrades who’ve had similar experiences, there’s an understanding and camaraderie that no one else can have,” Goedde said.

It’s a sentiment echoed by Cook. “This is a safe place,” he said.