BONNERS FERRY — Raymond Hinthorn, 81, was just honored by the Disabled American Veterans Bonners Ferry Chapter 28, for his work and dedication to the organization and veteran community.

According to the Bonners Ferry chapter of DAV, “Ray was the chapter commander for 27 years” and continued to participate in the organization.

“I thought I would be a commander for just two or three years, turned out a little more than that,” Hinthorn said.

According to Hinthorn, he has been self-employed all his life, which allowed him the flexibility to become a commander for the post and be involved with the veteran community within Boundary County and the state.

“In the interim, I did become state commander for the Disabled American Veterans,” Hinthorn said, “It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Hinthorn explained a consistent obstacle he faced as commander of post 28 is the lack of younger and new membership to DAV but to all veterans organizations. In his advice to any future post commanders, Hinthorn urged that they maintain the growth of the chapter.

“Hang in there, keep the chapter going,” Hinthorn said.