DAV members want to get word out about local chapter

Proud American veterans: DAV members want to get word out about local chapter
August 26, 2012
By Chris Lavender
Times-News

When Buddy Tate returned to Burlington in 1968 after serving in Vietnam, he found help from the local Disabled American Veterans chapter.

The group, also known as DAV, has 1.2 million members nationwide. The DAV chapter in Burlington serves nearly 500 members. DAV’s local headquarters is at 315 W. Willowbrook Drive.

Tate, 66, said when he first joined DAV in the 1970s, the local chapter consisted mostly of World War II veterans. He was always amazed by their war stories.

“Nothing compares to what some of them went through,” Tate said.

Tate, a Burlington native, was drafted into the U.S. Air Force in 1965 and was later stationed at Bien Hoa, Vietnam, and worked as a sheet metal mechanic.

After his military service, Tate went to work as a dispatcher with the Burlington Police Department. He is now retired. DAV allows Tate to connect with other disabled veterans in the local area.

Tate said when he left the service in 1968 he didn’t know what benefits were available to veterans. He later attended Alamance Community College to receive additional training.

Enrico Mitchell, 56, also is a member of the local DAV chapter. Mitchell, a Wendell native, has served many roles in DAV including former commander.
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