About Chapter 53

          Welcome to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Chapter 53, Department of Iowa's website. Disabled American Veterans:DAV is a leading nonprofit that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families. Every year, DAV helps more than 1 million veterans in positive, life changing ways by helping them access benefits they earned, like health care, education and disability, and connecting them to meaningful employment opportunities. DAV is the nation’s most resourceful veterans service organization, keeping the promise to support America’s veterans. Learn more at DAV.org

DAV’s Mission Statement
We are dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. We accomplish this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

KEEPING OUR PROMISE TO AMERICA’S VETERANS

Gary Schmerbeck

Commander

The commander preside at all regular or special meetings of the chapter. He/she shall maintain order and dispatch such business as may legally come before him/her. All checks or vouchers issued by the chapter treasurer may be countersigned by the commander. He/she shall perform all other duties that may reasonably be assumed to be incidental to the office, including those set forth in the chapter’s Constitution and Bylaws and in the Official DAV Ritual and such other duties as may be lawfully delegated to him/her by the chapter.

Bill Burch

Senior Vice Commander

The senior vice commander shall perform the duties of his/her station as set forth in the Official DAV Ritual. He/she shall encourage friendship among the members of this organization, discourage discord and promote harmony. Subject to the direction of the chapter, he/she shall act as chairperson of membership solicitation activities to the end that every eligible veteran may become a member. With the approval of the chapter, the senior vice commander may appoint one or more members to assist him/ her in such membership activities. The senior vice commander may not serve as adjutant or treasurer.

Jame Christiansen

Treasurer

The duties of the treasurer will vary from chapter to chapter. In most instances, the treasurer holds the funds deposited with him/her and pays them out when approved by the chapter. All financial disbursements of the chapter must be made by 6 check. All checks must include the signature of at least two officers. He/she shall keep a system of accounts approved by the chapter and shall preserve all receipts and checks or vouchers for payments made. He/she shall render a monthly report (Figure 3) of receipts and expenditures to the chapter no later than the first regular chapter meeting following the last day of each calendar month. This form can be downloaded from the Member Resources section of our website at dav. org/membersresources/all alpha.

Cheryl Kieffer

Chapter Service Officer/Benefits Protection Team Leader

Chapter Service Officers In everything we do, DAV has one goal provide all injured and ill veterans and their dependents the best service and most professional claims representation available from any source. Keeping this in mind, it is imperative for us to reach out to those who need our assistance. Chapter service officers (CSOs) are an integral part of this goal, as specifically outlined in Goal 1 of our Strategic Plan.

Earl Comstock

1st Junior Vice Commander

The junior vice commander performs the duties of his/her station as set forth in the Official DAV Ritual. He/she shall see that every member is given a reasonable opportunity to state his/her views on any subject under discussion in a meeting of the chapter, not inconsistent with the chapter’s Constitution and Bylaws or Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised. He/she shall, at all times, encourage loyalty to the United States of America, to DAV and to the members of the chapter. Subject to the direction of the chapter, he/she shall act as chairperson of the Americanism activities of the chapter and, with the approval of the chapter, may appoint one or more members to assist him/her as such chairperson.

Vern Guthrie

Chaplain/Judge Advocate

The chaplain is responsible for leading the opening prayer of the chapter meetings. The chaplain is the spiritual leader of the chapter and may be called upon to represent the chapter at the funeral services for deceased members, send sympathy cards and visit members of the chapter or their family members who are ill.

Harold "Will" Johnson

Sergeant-At-Arms

The sergeant-at-arms assists the commander in preserving order during chapter meetings. The sergeant-at-arms is responsible for verifying the membership of those in attendance when required to do so by the nature of business (i.e., election of officers or delegates, private matters requiring the protection of personal rights). The sergeant-at-arms may be responsible for handling the physical arrangements of the meeting hall. Officer of the Day The officer of the day is responsible for maintaining a list of visitors at chapter meetings and introducing visitors when called upon by the commander. The officer of the day is also responsible for escorting visitors and others to the podium, when directed by the commander.

John Shimko

Adjutant

The adjutant is responsible for keeping the chapter’s records and managing the chapter’s official correspondence. He/she must keep detailed records of the chapter’s meetings and business affairs. All motions considered by the chapter should be recorded along with the names of the members who make, second or speak on motions. All monies received or spent by the chapter must be recorded in his/her records.

KEEPING OUR PROMISE TO AMERICA’S VETERANS

 Their assistance in navigating the benefits system was invaluable. 

Sara Wilson
Military spouse and advocate
     

 They helped me understand my family’s rights and connected us with essential resources. 

Emily Parker
Daughter of a former Marine
     

 Thanks to this organization, I successfully accessed key benefits for my family. 

James Carter
Retired Veteran from Texas
     

KEEPING OUR PROMISE TO AMERICA’S VETERANS

Providing a Lifetime of Support

DAV’s free, professional assistance helps veterans and their families get the benefits they’ve earned—staying with them through every step of the process. And because disabling injuries can affect veterans at any stage in life, DAV is there with support whenever they need it.

Positive Life-Changing Services

Every year, DAV assists more than a million veterans by helping them access the benefits they’ve earned. We help veterans to achieve personal victories, great and small, such as being able to provide for their families, overcome homelessness, finish their education, access vital funds and even gather together with their fellow veterans to share good times.

All Veterans-Every Age, Every Stage

DAV believes that no matter what age or stage of life, every veteran is important. We seek to connect veterans of all generations. We support equitable benefits for all: underserved veteran populations, those with invisible and visible wounds from service, and the most vulnerable and overlooked in need of special assistance.

Our Work Today
We believe that America’s more than 4.7 million disabled veterans should have access to meaningful benefits and programs that address their service-connected illnesses and injuries.Through DAV’s efforts, legislation continues to be passed that protects veterans’ benefits and rights—from enhancing survivor benefits to improving mental health services and suicide prevention efforts. DAV also advocates for productive solutions with the Department of Veterans Affairs.With nearly 1 million members, DAV’s powerful voice ensures that veterans are heard at the local, state and federal levels. You can stay informed and take action by joining DAV CAN (Commander’s Action Network).
Advocating for Veterans Everywhere
For more than 100 years, DAV has been a strong and influential advocate for veterans’ rights and benefits. We are committed to fighting for America’s more than 4.7 million disabled veterans, representing veterans on Capitol Hill, and getting legislation enacted that protects our nation’s heroes and their families. Nearly 1 million members give DAV a powerful voice to make sure veterans are heard.
 

KEEPING OUR PROMISE TO AMERICA’S VETERANS

You’re warmly invited to the "Chapter 53 Annual Picnic," where members and their families will gather to enjoy a day filled with engaging activities, delicious food, and delightful camaraderie. Set in a picturesque outdoor setting, this event promises to provide a refreshing and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen bonds and create memorable moments together. Join us to celebrate our community and cherish the spirit of togetherness.Read More


  • Date:9/21/2025 02:00 PM - 9/21/2025 05:00 PM
  • Location 2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA, USA (Map)
  • More Info:Raccoon River Park Nature Center

KEEPING OUR PROMISE TO AMERICA’S VETERANS

  •  9/9/2025 11:30 AM - 9/9/2025 11:30 PM
  •   3017 100th St, Urbandale, IA, USA

We are all service-connected disabled veterans with a desire to serve our veteran community. If you are service connected come join us. We all share the principles of unity, responsibility, and loyalty. It's not just about physically ensuring that everyone is present but also about emotional and moral support.

  • $0.00
  •  9/21/2025 01:00 PM - 9/21/2025 04:00 PM
  •   2500 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA

Great location. games, friends and food. What more could you ask for? Look forward to a great time. Mark your calendar so you don't miss out. And don't forget to RSVP before Sept. 1st.

  •  8/9/2025 09:00 AM - 8/12/2025 09:00 AM
  •   3655 Las Vegas Boulevard, South Las Vegas, NV 89109

$159 DAV Special Rate + 13.38% Hotel Taxes = $180.27 Single/Double (Online room block will show taxes included) 702-946-7000 or 877-796-2096 Group Name: Disabled American Veterans Standard Room Block Code: SPDAV5

KEEPING OUR PROMISE TO AMERICA’S VETERANS

Sara Wilson
Military spouse and advocate

Their assistance in navigating the benefits system was invaluable.

     

Emily Parker
Daughter of a former Marine

They helped me understand my family’s rights and connected us with essential resources.

     

James Carter
Retired Veteran from Texas

Thanks to this organization, I successfully accessed key benefits for my family.

I don't know
     

KEEPING OUR PROMISE TO AMERICA’S VETERANS

  • Mail Address - 4023 Urbandale Avenue
  • P.O. Box 13107, Des Moines, IA 50310

Thank you for visiting our website. We'll see you at our next meeting. The Chapter 53 Officers

TAKE ACTION NOW
DON'T WAIT ANY LONGER