The Disabled American Veterans, commonly called the DAV, was organized in 1920 and Congressionally chartered in 1932 to work for the physical, mental, social and economic rehabilitation of the more than 300,000 wounded and disabled veterans who had returned from the battlefields of World War I.
Twenty members sought a charter for Hendersonville from the DAV. On November 7, 1972 the DAV issued a charter for the establishment of Chapter 14. The name Beddingfield-Shytle received final approval by the DAV National Headquarters in April, 1974.
Chapter 14 was named for two local veterans. One of the two veterans honored is the late PFC George Clyde Beddingfield, U. S. Army. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Buford Woodrow Beddingfield of Bobs Creek Road. PFC Beddingfield was killed in action in Vietnam on December 8, 1966. He was Henderson County's second fatality of the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal for heroism, posthumously. First Lt. Joseph Edward Shytle, U. S. Marine Corps., was also honored. He was killed in action on Saipan, July 8, 1944. Shytle was the son of the late William Seymour and Janie Sinclair Shytle of Chimney Rock Highway.
Services to Veterans and Their Families
* Founded in 1920, the DAV is totally funded by dues and contributions, receiving no federal funding.
With National Headquarters offices in Cincinnati and Washington D.C. and North Carolina's Headquarters offices in Raleigh, the DAV focuses strictly on serving veterans and their families. A nonpolitical organization it has no political action committees (PACS) and endorses no political candidates.
To help you and your family get all the benefits you earned, the DAV maintains a corps of approximately 270 National Service Officers (NSOs) in 72 offices across the United States and in Puerto Rico.
There's never any charge for the assistance these veterans benefits experts provide to you and your family.
DAV Service Officers are all service-connected disabled veterans themselves, so they understand where you are coming from. They all are accredited through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
DAV Service Officers offer counseling on VA compensation, health care, pension, employment rights, education and more.
They help folks like you assemble evidence to support benefit claims, building their cases and preparing claim forms and briefs.
The DAV extends disaster relief to disabled veterans affected by natural calamities like earthquakes or floods.
The DAV National Magazine and North Carolina's DAV News, chapter meetings, and other functions keep members up-to-date on issues affecting their rights.
The Department's Transportation Network transports sick and disabled veterans to VA medical facilities for treatment in North Carolina.
DAV Volunteers in North Carolina donate hours to veterans at all VA hospitals and many non-VA facilities throughout the state.
Through a variety of local programs the DAV reaches into their communities, seeking new ways to help disabled veterans and their families.
Who is Eligible to Join the DAV?
Any man or woman, who was wounded, gassed, injured or disabled in the line of duty during time of war, while in the service of either the military or naval forces of the United States of America, and who has not been dishonorably discharged or separated from such service, or who may still be in active service in the armed forces of the United States of America is eligible for membership in the Disabled American Veterans. Others who are disabled while serving with any of the armed forces of any nations associated with the United States of America as allies during any of its war periods, who are American citizens and who are honorably discharged, are also eligible.
How Does Your DAV Membership Benefit You?
As a DAV Member, in addition to DAV programs and services, members are entitled to a Member Benefits Package, which gives you access to a variety of important programs, products, and services. Also included with your membership is a FREE subscription to DAV Magazine.
What is the DAV's Dues Structure?
Life membership is permanent. Life membership dues are as follows and may be paid in interest-free installments following a minimum $40.00 down payment.
Age and Amount
80 or older FREE
71 - 79 $140.00
61 - 70 $180.00
41 - 60 $230.00
40 or younger $250.00
Help the DAV in its effort to help you. Sign up for membership today! To sign up for membership - Fill out an Online Membership Application Or print out the Membership Application , fill it out, enclose your membership payment, and mail it in right away to:
Disabled American Veterans
Attn: Membership Department
PO BOX 145550
Cincinnati, OH 45250