HAYDEN - During the Vietnam War, Dale Stamper fought with the Army 9th Infantry in the wet jungles of the Mekong Delta.

In 1968 he was wounded in combat, blinded by the blast of a land mine. He recuperated at a VA facility, went on to become a committed advocate for the visually impaired, and is now - at the age of 62 - the Blinded Veterans Association District 4 director and the chaplain of Fort Sherman Chapter 9, a branch of Disabled American Veterans.

This Saturday, at the Hayden Chamber of Commerce Banquet, Stamper will receive the 2011 Distinguished Community Service award.

"I didn't even know I had been nominated for it, so I was extremely surprised when I received the news that I had been selected for this honor," he said. "I guess they felt like I had accomplished some things."

As a BVA director, Stamper coordinates the association's activities in 11 states across the West. Through the BVA, he has lobbied the FCC and communications companies, requesting the development of new technology that can be used by the blind.

His efforts have paid off: Verizon recently created a phone with large, easy-to-use buttons and an electronic voice that speaks the numbers as they're dialed.

Stamper uses the device himself. A goal of his advocacy work, he said, is "to make sure visually impaired people have access to technology of today."

Marilyn Hunt, commander of DAV Auxiliary Unit 9, nominated Stamper for the community service award. She cited his advocacy efforts, his activities with the Fort Sherman DAV chapter, his work as a marriage mentor coordinator with Real Life Ministries and other service.

"He's very involved," Hunt said. "The thing that impresses me so much is he lives a very full, and active, and giving life."

Stamper has been a part of the ministry for 40 years. His chaplain duties with the Fort Sherman group are many: He recites prayers at monthly meetings (reading them in Braille), collects donations for the group, wraps Christmas presents and sends care packages to U.S. troops in the Middle East.

He also helps veterans apply for disability benefits from the VA.

"I try to make sure that veterans, in particular blind veterans, get their needs met," Stamper said.

Saturday's chamber banquet will be held at the Hayden Lake Country Club. Cocktail hour begins at 5 p.m. A dinner of beef tenderloin, salmon or stuffed chicken breast - diner's choice - will be served.

In addition to the awards ceremonies, former New York Yankees pitcher Don Larson will be the night's guest speaker. Larson pitched a perfect game in the 1956 World Series and won the Most Valuable Player award.

Tickets are $65.

Seating is limited. Call the Hayden Chamber of Commerce ASAP - 762-1185 - and ask Cat Smith if any reservations are still available.