REMEMBRANCE Retired National Service Officer Richard L. Richards was his goal to make sure his fellow disabled veterans received their rightful benefits. “Richard dedicated his life to the service n Retired National Service Officer Richard L. of others, starting with his enlistment in the Richards died April 22, 2020. He was 74. Marine Corps in 1964,” said National Richards enlisted in the Marine Corps in Service Director Jim Marszalek. “After his October 1964. On May 8, 1968, while serving medical retirement and rehabilitation, he in Vietnam with the 3rd Battalion, 27th Marine continued his life of service, as evidenced Regiment, he was injured by a landmine, with Richards by his 23 years with DAV, helping his fellow severe wounds to his leg and arm. He ultimately lost his leg due to the injury. He retired honorably veterans and their families live their lives with respect and dignity. He will be greatly missed by his DAV family in December 1968 after being awarded the Purple Heart. and all those who knew and loved him.” In 1972, Richards was hired as a national service Richards is survived by his wife, Sarah, his children officer apprentice in the Houston office. He retired from and grandchildren, and numerous other family and friends. DAV as a national service officer supervisor in 1995. It DAV Auxiliary Past National Commander Donna Tanner n A fierce advocate for disabled veterans and their families, DAV Auxiliary Past National Commander Donna Tanner died May 2, 2020. She was elected to the organization’s highest office at the national convention in Chicago in 2006. A life member since 1983, Tanner joined DAV Auxiliary when she married her husband, Jim, a disabled U.S. Navy veteran. Throughout the years, she served in a number of capacities. In 2002, she was elected national 3rd junior vice commander and advanced through the national leadership roles until her election as national commander. She was instrumental in the development of the DAV Auxiliary’s Strategic Plan and recently served on the Caregiver Initiative Exploratory Committee. After her retirement, she took on the role of hospital service coordinator for the DAV Department of Massachusetts, a job she held until her death. “For the better part of four decades, Tanner Donna’s commitment to improving the lives of disabled veterans and their families was immeasurable,” said Auxiliary National Adjutant Pat Kemper. “Donna was a staunch advocate for veterans’ rights and a supporter of their unsung heroes, the caregivers. She will be missed by her family and friends and the veteran families she has so steadfastly served.” Never stop giving... Chapter 41 of Wichita Falls, Texas, Commander Joel Jimenez (center right) and Junior Vice Commander Larry Main (center left) donated items to the Reynolds Army Health Clinic in conjunction with the American Red Cross and Marine Corps detachment on behalf of DAV. Collected items, such as women’s clothes, patriotic attire and lap blankets, will go directly to active-duty service members, family members and veterans. DAV.ORG | DAV | @DAVHQ | DAVHQ | COMPANY/DAVHQ | DISABLEDVETERANS 31
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Retired National Service Officer Richard L. Richards
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DAV Auxiliary Past National Commander Donna Tanner
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