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

Monthly Newsletter
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.

Chapter 53 Officers 2025-2026 

KEEPING OUR PROMISE TO AMERICA’S VETERANS

Gary Schmerbeck

Commander

Bill Burch

Senior Vice Commander

Jame Christiansen

Treasurer

Cheryl Kieffer

CSO/Benefits Protection Team Leader

Earl Comstock

1st Junior Vice Commander

Vern Guthrie

Chaplain/Judge Advocate

Harold "Will" Johnson

Sergeant-At-Arms

John Shimko

Adjutant

Testimonials

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 I don't know
         

Services

KEEPING OUR PROMISE TO AMERICA’S VETERANS

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.

DAV Chapter 53 Business Meeting Luncheon

KEEPING OUR PROMISE TO AMERICA’S VETERANS

1st Annual Chapter 53 Picnic for all DAV Members & spouses, children and "Member Wanna Be's".
21Sep

1st Annual Chapter 53 Picnic for all DAV Members & spouses, children and "Member Wanna Be's".

  • $0.00
  •  9/21/2025 01:30 PM - 9/21/2025 04:30 PM
  •   2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA, USA

RACCOON RIVER NATURE LODGE The easiest way to get there is take the Grand Avenue exit east from I-35 South and proceed two miles. The park entrance is on your right-hand side.

Read More
Chapter 53 Monthly Business Meeting Luncheon
09Sep

Chapter 53 Monthly Business Meeting Luncheon

  • $0.00
  •  9/9/2025 11:30 AM - 9/9/2025 01:00 PM
  •   100th Street Corner Cafe, 3017 100th St, Urbandale, IA, USA

Come for the meeting and stay for lunch - ON US!

Read More
National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic
07Sep

National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic

  • $0.00
  •  9/7/2025 12:21 AM - 9/12/2025 12:21 AM
  •   3184 Iowa 22, Riverside, IA 52327, USA

The Mission of the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic is to provide an adaptive golf and rehabilitation program for Veterans with a qualifying disability. Provision of this program serves to engage and invigorate Veterans to directly improve their physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Read More

Testimonials

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
     

Veteran's Victories

Inspiring stories of individuals ad their involvement in the DAV.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CONTACT IOWA CHAPTER 53 DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS (DAV)

KEEPING OUR PROMISE TO AMERICA’S VETERANS

*
*
  • MEETING PLACE: 100th St. Corner Cafe 3017 100th St., Urbandale, Iowa, 503230

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


TAKE ACTION NOW
DON'T WAIT ANY LONGER
Fill out the form below for assistance or more information!