Veterans Organization Opens New Office
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio — The Disabled American Veterans of Mahoning County Chapter 2 dedicated a new space to conduct club meetings and store the wheelchairs and motorized scooters it donates to people in need.
The storefront is in the Austintown Plaza, tucked between Harbor Freight and Frenchy’s. It’s the first time in years that the organization has had a building of its own. Members used to meet at the Austintown Senior Center but availability was limited by events scheduled at the center.
“This is all for the veterans,” said Terry Mackey, commander. “Thank you everyone’s donations, cooperation and love of the veterans of Mahoning County.”
The DAV doesn’t receive external funding. It relies on donations.
“We were paying $600 a month for two storage units and only one of them had electricity,” said Bob Cooper, chapter finance officer, adjutant and fundraising chairman.
Electricity is crucial because the DAV stores the wheelchairs and scooters it gives to those who need them. When the equipment is returned, the batteries must be charged. In the new space, the front area provides a meeting area with the rear used to store the equipment.
After an article about the DAV’s predicament ran Aug. 14 on BusinessJournalDaily.com, Martin Solomon who leads the company that operates the Austintown Plaza called Cooper, offering the space for $1 per month.
“That’s how this all came about,” Cooper said.
Cooper thanked his fellow veterans and others who support the organization.
“I want to thank the people of Austintown,” Cooper said. “You guys have our backs. Any time we want something, you’re here and the trustees especially. You guys have been fantastic.”
A representative of U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli’s office presented a proclamation for the occasion and Mike Senchak, owner of FirstLight Home Care presented a $600 check for the organization.
“When someone has a disability, somebody has a need, somebody has a medical need, it’s the little things that make all the difference,” Senchak said. “And the work and the mission of DAV and what they’ve done and especially what they’ve done from the humble beginnings starting in storage units to what they have today, it’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication and a lot of passion.”
Pictured at top: Mahoning County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 2 members and supporters Gary Mohn, Dale Baringer, Bob Cooper, Rochelle Cooper, Terry Mackey and Mickey Nuzzo prepare to cut the ribbon Wednesday at the dedication of the DAV’s new office in the Austintown Plaza.
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