Idaho State Disabled American Veterans Commander, Linda Ransom, of Boise, presented a plaque to Fort Sherman Chapter No. 9 commemorating 75 years of continuous chartered service.

National Commander Joe Johnston instructed the state commander to personally deliver the plaque to the oldest chapter in Idaho.

The chapter was chartered in Coeur d'Alene on Dec. 15, 1938, by 18 veterans of the Great War of 1914-1918. The chapter today numbers more than 540 members in Kootenai, Shoshone and Benewah counties.

"While little is known of those original members, it is quite likely that many had been wounded, shell-shocked, and had been gassed, resulting in blindness and burned lungs," said current Chapter Adjutant Robert Hunt.

The purpose of the DAV is to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States; to realize the true American ideals and aims for which the membership fought; to advance the interests and work for the betterment of all wounded, gassed, injured and disabled veterans, and their widows, orphans and families. There are no honorary members of the DAV.

Fort Sherman Chapter No. 9 has been serving the community without interruption for 75 years. Its contributions include the donation of a van to the Spokane VA Medical Centers, dedicated to providing free transportation to and from Kootenai County.

The current elected Commander is Mike Teall of Post Falls, a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army. Anyone desiring to contact the chapter can call the adjutant at 773-1074.