DAV out as event sponsor

An event this weekend will be held as scheduled. But it is no longer affiliated with the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

The Commercial Review received a copy of a letter written by the DAV national commander calling for Chapter #24 to discontinue any involvement with “American Patriots Day,” which is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday in Portland. DAV Chapter #24 vice commander Kip VanSkyock confirmed Tuesday that the chapter had received the letter and is no longer involved with the event.

“American Patriots Day,” which has been advertised locally for about a month, calls for attendees to support “your country … your president … your Constitutional rights … your military … your police, fire and first responders.” Participants were invited to decorate their vehicles for a “convoy” from the former Walmart building on Meridian Street to Main Street near Jay County Courthouse. A flyer for the event said it was “sponsored by DAV Post #24.”

The letter from DAV national commander Stephen Whitehead dated Oct. 15 notes that the organization is non-political and that the planned event is viewed as partisan.

“Accordingly, the Chapter must immediately discontinue any formal or informal sponsorship or support of this planned event,” the letter said.

“Failure to comply with this directive will result in disciplinary action against any members involved in the name of DAV …”

VanSkyock said the chapter had been contacted by a state DAV official after announcing “American Patriots Day” and received approval for the event. The group apparently got some incorrect information, he added, saying he contacted the national office after receiving the letter Monday.

“I talked to them, and as of (Monday) I’ve done everything I can to remove all sponsorship,” said VanSkyock, adding that he did not intend to draw any negative attention to the DAV, veterans or the community.

Mentions of the DAV sponsorship have been blacked out on flyers and removed from radio advertising and social media posts, he added.

Whitehead’s letter indicated that if the local chapter had moved forward in being part of the event, its tax-exempt status and DAV charter could be in jeopardy.

“This activity falls far outside the scope of our unique and sole chartered purpose as an organization,” it said.

VanSkyock said the event was not intended to be political in nature. He added that he feels it was misconstrued by those on both sides — President Donald Trump supporters and detractors — because of its proximity to the Nov. 3 election.

“This was taken way out of context,” he said. “This was not being put on as a Trump rally. …”

“It’s just a community event,” he added later.

The event had been the subject of letters to the editor — one from Jay County Democratic Party chairman Dominic Martyne and another from VanSkyock — in The Commercial Review recently.

Line-up for “American Patriots Day” starts at noon Sunday with the convoy to depart the Walmart parking lot after a prayer by Pastor Randy Smith at 1:30 p.m. It will travel south on Meridian Street and then west on Main Street. It will close with the singing of the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance, and there will be prizes for best decorations in various categories.