Austin Disabled American Veterans Chapter No. 27 never forgets its mission.

The chapter strives to build better lives for disabled veterans and their families through service and support, and it does that with dedication and passion.

No where else is that more true than the Minnesota DAV’s Donor Connection Program.

“It’s a great program,” said Everett DeYoung, disabled veteran. “I got a scooter chair to help me get around and when I’m through with it I’ll turn it over to the chapter so they can give it to some other veteran who needs it.”

Richard Prizler, commander of Austin DAV Chapter No. 27, said the Donor Connection Program has helped several veterans in the greater Austin area.

“We got Everett DeYoung the scooter he needed, and we got Larry Young the power wheel chair he needed with pneumatic tires to better navigated the sidewalks around his home,” Prizler said. “The program is helping a lot of veterans.”

The DAV of Minnesota program connects donors, who have medical and handicapped equipment (wheelchairs, scooters, ramps, handicapped equipped autos, etc.) with disabled veterans in need of the equipment.

According to Prizler, the donors donate the equipment to the DAV of Minnesota Foundation and the foundation places it in the hands of the disabled veterans.

In 2007, more than $300,000 in equipment was passed through the foundation.

“The program helps keep veterans independent in their homes,” Prizler said.

The Austin DAV chapter’s members have connected local veterans to medical equipment being donated from St. Paul, Golden Valley, White Bear Lake and Minnetonka.

“We will go to wherever there is a piece of equipment that one of our local veterans needs and get it and deliver it to that veteran,” Prizler said.

The equipment is available to any disabled veteran or their family members.

There is an application process to verify the need, but it’s all very simply, according to Prizler.

The equipment is made available free of charge.

“I got my scooter just last week,” said DeYoung, who is commander of Austin American Legion Post No. 91. “I expect to get a lot of use out of it.” The DAV chapter also makes batteries available for the electrically-operated equipment.

Locally, the DAV chapter has picked up six three-wheel scooters for disabled veterans.

“The program also welcomes donations from families who no longer use that kind of medical equipment,” Prizler said. “That way we can put it in the hands of someone who need it.” For more information about the DAV’s Donor Connection Program, call Prizler at 507 433-3315 or contact any other local veterans service organization.

Interested veterans or equipment donors may e-mail Norman Hecimovich for more information at nehecimo@smig.net.