Fred Margiotta executed his responsibilities as the newly elected Commander of Fort Sherman Chapter 9, Disabled American Veterans, Saturday at the 2018 Armed Forces Torchlight Parade in Spokane.

As the leader of 590 men and women wounded, gassed or injured in time of war, it is his solemn duty to represent the Chapter at public events no matter the cost or inconvenience.

In Margiotta’s spare time he serves as an officer of the Inland Northwest Disabled Veterans Sports Association. He recently participated in the VA Wheelchair Games in San Diego and in the DAV Ski Clinic in Snow Mass, Colo. When skiing, Fred has a skier behind him who has a long tether on him to keep him from speeding. Snow Mass is a challenging slope when the VA is there with skiers who are blind or missing legs and arms.

Margiotta’s goal is to work to ensure that disabled veterans receive all their benefits and are encouraged to do the best they can.

DAV Chapter 9, the oldest chapter in Idaho, reaches out to veterans and their families to provide assistance of all kinds. In the past year, the Chapter has repaired roofs and furnaces, chopped wood, built goat kennels, provided scholarships, bought tools for job seekers,and filed claims with the VA.

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Bob Hunt is the Past DAV Department of Idaho Commander.