Officers installed included Commander Mike Finstad; Sr. Vice Commander Leon Treml; Jr. Vice Commander Ernie Kalk; Adjutant Mona Widmer; Treasurer Gary Wiltscheck; Judge Advocate Jerry Nachreiner and Chaplin Roy Janni.

This year’s officer installation was special as the New Ulm Chapter was given a plaque commemorating 75 years as a chartered member of DAV.

Treasurer Gary Wiltscheck said it was announced during the State DAV convention in Duluth that New Ulm DAV would be recognized for this honor. Wiltscheck said New Ulm’s DAV chapter was actually chartered 77 years ago on Sept. 20, 1946. Recognition of this achievement was delayed due to COVID.

There are 32 DAV chapters in Minnesota. Wiltscheck said only a handful are older than the New Ulm organization.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 15 of New Ulm reappointed officers during Tuesday’s meeting. The organization also commemorated over 75 years as chartered DAV chapter. (L to R): Commander Mike Finstad, Sr. Vice Commander Leon Treml, Jr. Vice Commander Ernie Kalk, Treasurer Gary Wiltscheck, Judge Advocate Jerry Nachreiner, Chaplain Roy Janni and Adjutant Mona Widmer.

DAV is an organization dedicated to helping disabled veterans. New Ulm DAV Treasurer Gary Wiltscheck said the organization takes its mission from President Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address, in which Lincoln called on the nation “to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and his widow, and his orphan.”

Wiltscheck said the New Ulm Chapter of DAV works to assist local veterans where needed. This includes helping transport veterans to medical appointments, repairing and distributing medical equipment; fundraising and even assisting disabled veterans with lawn care.

DAV is always looking for local volunteers to assist. Those interested in volunteering are asked to contact Wiltscheck at (507) 217-7876.