Donation Saves Disabled American Veterans Location | Military

A Central Georgia chapter of the Disabled American Veterans came close to shutting its doors this summer.

The coffers ran low, and Commander Eldon Wilson says they barely had enough to pay the rent. That's until a donor came through with a check large enough to support their services for an entire year.

Vietnam vet Burl Jimmerson understands the plight of the people that walk through the DAV's door. He said, "When I got out, I was told I couldn't get any benefits."

Jimmerson says he persisted and proved that wrong. Now, it's his mission to find benefits for the vets who asked for his help. He said, "Bust my back to do it."

He volunteers three days a week, seeing vets young and old from every conflict.

Chapter Commander Eldon Wilson says they almost lost the office where they offer the help. Wilson said, "Financial hardship over funds."

The DAV depends entirely on donations, because unlike some veterans service organizations, they don't make income from a club.

Chief of Staff Ted Pulsifer said, "We have people that come in here with no gas. We have people that come in and say we're hungry."

They help every veteran they can, and now may serve more. A donor found out about their struggle from a Macon Telegraph article and gave $10,000 to the chapter.

Wilson said, "We will be able to keep our office doors open, be able to help more vets."

The group presented Macon's Jones Foundation with their top honor, the American Eagle Service Award, at Monday's meeting.

Jimmerson says it not only allows him to keep helping, but opens up greater possibilities.

Pointing at the organizations hours on a website, Jimmerson said, "This is what I want to see changed right here. Closed, closed, closed."

He wants the office to open six, instead of three days a week, so he can volunteer more time in service of those who served.

Jimmerson says his chapter of the Disabled American Veterans serves about 40 veterans each month.

They come from all over Central Georgia, and they're working to open a satellite location in Eastman.