LAS VEGAS - Dale Stamper and his wife Cora recently returned from the National Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) convention in Las Vegas, where he was elected National Secretary. He will be responsible for the administrative affairs of the 12,000-member organization for the next two years. He will then move up to Vice-President and then President.

Stamper, a resident of Hayden, is currently serving as the Chapter Commander of Fort Sherman Chapter #9, Disabled American Veterans. Stamper was recently awarded the H.A.Y.D.E.N. Distinguished Community Service award by the Hayden Chamber of Commerce.

Stamper, an Army veteran and combat engineer, was wounded in Vietnam and has been totally blind ever since. He has spent his life advocating for the blind. A cell phone for the blind with special features was recently put on the market as a result of his efforts.

"Dale Stamper is an example of a man who adapts, adjusts and overcomes his disability," said Chapter 9 Adjutant Robert Hunt. "He is truly a patriot and a hero to us all. We are lucky to have him serve as our Commander and the National BVA is also going to be very pleased with him."

As the BVA Western District Director since 2007, he has traveled throughout the West Coast and to New York by himself. He and his wife have traveled to the Philippines on mission work and locally he is a trainer for marriage mentors in his church.