DAV Magazine — September/October 2016
DAV family mourns passing of Auxiliary National Commander
DAV Auxiliary National Commander Linda Stake passed away July 26, surrounded by family and loved ones in her home state of Arkansas.
Stake was a steadfast and devoted advocate for veterans and their families for many decades. She was elected National Commander of the Auxiliary at DAV’s 94th National Convention in Denver last summer and spent her tenure highlighting the need to support military families and caregivers.
Just prior to her passing, Stake had issued her farewell as Auxiliary Commander, stating, “It has been an absolute privilege to serve our members. … I will forever cherish the stories, trials and tribulations you shared with me.”
Stake’s life membership in the Auxiliary began in 1998, and she was a charter member of Auxiliary Unit 57 in Heber Springs, Ark.
She was, however, an advocate for injured and ill veterans long before her Auxiliary membership began. Stake fought tirelessly to ensure her husband Charles, a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, received the care and benefits he had earned after he was injured in service.
Linda brought extensive leadership experience to the Auxiliary. In her Unit, she served in all elected positions. She also contributed at the state and national levels, assisting as a leader with Community Service, Americanism, Legislative and as Membership Chairman.
Linda is survived by her husband Charles (DAV National Executive Committee Representative for District 21); daughters Kim, Carol and Penny; grandchildren Casey, Austin and Macy; and greatgrandsons Jaden and Tyler. Linda encouraged her children and grandchildren to do work for injured and ill veterans, and all remain active members of the DAV Auxiliary and DAV Auxiliary Juniors.
“We are grateful to Linda for her many years of selfless sacrifice and service to our nation’s veterans and their families,” said National Adjutant Marc Burgess. “Her legacy will live on through all the lives she touched with her compassion and tireless hard work. She will be greatly missed.”
Stake was a steadfast and devoted advocate for veterans and their families for many decades. She was elected National Commander of the Auxiliary at DAV’s 94th National Convention in Denver last summer and spent her tenure highlighting the need to support military families and caregivers.
Just prior to her passing, Stake had issued her farewell as Auxiliary Commander, stating, “It has been an absolute privilege to serve our members. … I will forever cherish the stories, trials and tribulations you shared with me.”
Stake’s life membership in the Auxiliary began in 1998, and she was a charter member of Auxiliary Unit 57 in Heber Springs, Ark.
She was, however, an advocate for injured and ill veterans long before her Auxiliary membership began. Stake fought tirelessly to ensure her husband Charles, a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, received the care and benefits he had earned after he was injured in service.
Linda brought extensive leadership experience to the Auxiliary. In her Unit, she served in all elected positions. She also contributed at the state and national levels, assisting as a leader with Community Service, Americanism, Legislative and as Membership Chairman.
Linda is survived by her husband Charles (DAV National Executive Committee Representative for District 21); daughters Kim, Carol and Penny; grandchildren Casey, Austin and Macy; and greatgrandsons Jaden and Tyler. Linda encouraged her children and grandchildren to do work for injured and ill veterans, and all remain active members of the DAV Auxiliary and DAV Auxiliary Juniors.
“We are grateful to Linda for her many years of selfless sacrifice and service to our nation’s veterans and their families,” said National Adjutant Marc Burgess. “Her legacy will live on through all the lives she touched with her compassion and tireless hard work. She will be greatly missed.”
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