Who We Are

HISTORY OF THE DAV

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a Congressionally-chartered nonprofit tax-exempt veterans service organization. It was originally created in 1920 by World War I veterans, specifically to assist disabled military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Later, on June 17, 1932, Congress recognized the DAV’S unique and outstanding service and issued a Federal charter to the organization. This document recognized the organization as the official voice of our nation’s wartime disabled veterans.

The DAV is headquartered in Erlanger, KY, and it currently has over 1 million members nationwide, with more than 1,200 Chapters located in cities and towns throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

The DAV helps disabled veterans and their families through various means, providing lifetime support at no cost for both veterans and their families. Veterans join the DAV by proving their military disability, paying a set fee for lifetime membership, and selecting a Chapter to belong to.

HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA CHAPTER 84

The John R. Townsend Chapter 84 of the DAV was created in Vacaville in 1957 and named for Air Force veteran John Townsend. Following the national organization’s guidelines, the Chapter works to support veterans of all ages and their families.

Under IRS rules, the Chapter is a nonprofit 501c19 veterans service organization. The members of our Chapter are dedicated to a single mission: to empower disabled, as well as all other veterans, to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.

THE CHAPTER’S VISION

California Chapter 84 exists to help fulfill the DAV’s promises to our local community’s veterans and their families. It continues to be an indispensable resource for disabled veterans, their spouses, and their families, who all share in the sacrifices of those who served.

To accomplish its vision, the Chapter operates up to thirteen (13) internal standing committees, each with specific tasks designed to organize, plan, and conduct its myriad of activities. Externally, the Chapter sponsors patriotic community events, participates in community activities, and works with civic leaders in developing programs and projects to support local veterans.

THE CHAPTER’S VALUES

The Chapter has established four (4) guiding principals on which we refuse to compromise as we pursue our vision. These values are what guide our Chapter’s actions, unite our membership, and define who we are:

  • Service: To empower veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity and to keep the DAV mission first and foremost in all that we do.

  • Quality: To provide the highest possible quality representation and advocacy services to ill and injured veterans, their families, and survivors.

  • Integrity: To maintain the highest ethical and moral standards as a charitable service organization that’s accountable to those we serve, as well as to those who support us.

  • Leadership: To plan strategically and act to guarantee our future preeminence as a provider of advocacy and voluntary services to veterans.

CA DAV Chapter 84 Leadership

  • Richard (Ric) Deems

    CHAPTER COMMANDER

    Direct Contact: (707) 365-0919

  • Mark Raymond

    SENIOR VICE COMMANDER

  • Bill Blas

    1st VICE COMMANDER

  • Wannice Benton

    2nd VICE COMMANDER

  • Calvin Lee

    CHAPLAIN

  • David Trimingham

    TREASURER

  • ( Open )

    ADJUTANT

  • Bill Bostick

    SERGEANT AT ARMS

  • Gerald Gordon

    OFFICE OF THE DAY