New van for DAV
In the shadow of the Doughboy Monument in Jamestown last week, from left, Russell County Judge Executive Randy Marcum presented keys for a van to Russell County DAV Chapter 51 Commander James Clark, and chapter members John Ferrucci, Thomas Burgess, Ron Burton, and Roy Kimbler.
By Wade Daffron
TJ Editor
Around lunchtime Friday, a white van adorned with patriotic markings rolled into Jamestown and parked in front of the Doughboy Monument on the town square.
With pride and appreciation, uniformed veterans exited the van as passing drivers honked, waved, and saluted.
Russell County Judge Executive Randy Marcum walked from his office in the nearby courthouse to greet the veterans.
“Of all the things I’ve been involved with as judge, this may be one of the things of which I’m proudest,” he said.
Russell County Deputy Judge Executive Susan Brumley-Melton said Marcum was able to secure a handicap accessible van from RTEC “at no cost to the county for our local DAV (Disabled American Veterans) chapter.”
“This is something I worked on for several months,” Marcum told representatives of the Russell County DAV Chapter 51.
The judge stressed the van is not “brand new,” but is in “excellent condition.”
“It was a back-up van (for RTEC),” he said, “and it looks like its hardly been used at all.”
Judge Marcum symbolically presented keys to the van to Commander James Clark.
“We really appreciate this,” Clark said. “It means a lot.”
Clark said the van will be used to transport DAV members to and from events in which they participate in, and for which they provide services.
Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas provided lettering and decals for the van’s impressive visual appearance.
“I’m always honored to help our veterans in any way possible,” he said. “Just think about what they have done for us.”
Melton said all involved in obtaining the new mode of transpiration for the DAV are honored to do so.
“This is a small token of our gratitude to all veterans-those who came before, those who serve today, and those who will serve in the future,” she said. “We are incredibly thankful for their dedication and years of service to our community.”
