DAV gives back to Warriors of the North Published March 28, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A local veterans' organization gave back to the Warriors of the North on March 27. Scott Ross, senior vice commander of the Disabled Veterans of America, Andy Nomland Chapter 2 of Grand Forks, N.D., formally presented a check for $500 to the Grand Forks Air Force Base 1st Sergeants' Council at Heritage Hall here. "You can rest assured this will be put to good use," said Master Sgt. Michael Raby, 319th Comptroller Squadron first sergeant. "Yes, this donation is going to help a lot of people," added Master Sgt. Genevieva Nordaune, 319th Operations Support Squadron first sergeant. Ross solidified the DAV's confidence in the 1st Sergeants' Council to use the donation wisely by saying, "A lot of our members served here on Grand Forks [AFB] back in the day, myself included, and know the important role a first sergeant can play when a service member is in a time of need. We know this will make a positive difference and that's why we are very glad to make this donation." This is not the first time the local DAV chapter has extended a helping hand in the form of a monetary donation. According to Nordaune, the DAV donated $200, but they more than doubled their normal donation this time around. "Our DAV chapter has been very fortunate with our fundraising activities this year," said Ross, a retired Air Force master sergeant. "We just thought it would be nice to share some of that good fortune by giving a little extra this year." The 1st Sergeants' Council plans on using the money for different charitable activities and programs throughout the year such as Operation Warmheart, which provides financial grants to Air Force families to buy food and other necessities during emergency situations. For information about becoming part of the DAV click on the link below. Find a local DAV chapter. To contribute to the 1st Sergeant Council call 701-740-3596.