"Combat Wounded Veterans"
Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter #1
Burke Ross - DAV Veteran of the Year

Burke Ross was selected as the DAV Veteran of the Year for 2001. For many years Burke Ross has donated his very valuable time to DAV causes, both on the chapter and department level. He has served continuously for more than 30 years as an officer of Derby/Shelton/Ansonia DAV Chapter #4 and at present time is serving as chapter chaplain. Burke volunteers at the West Haven VA Medical Facility especially in the neuro- psychiatric wards where he has donated clothing and has been instrumental in obtaining a washer and dryer for the psych ward, so that patients can have clean clothing. He has worked at the outpatient clinic at the West Haven VA Medical Facility especially assisting the homeless. He has donated many hours of service and food to the veterans at Rocky Hill Home and Hospital. He has volunteered his time and car in transporting veterans to and from various VA clinics and hospitals. He has also assisted Derby/Shelton/Ansonia DAV Chapter #4 in its distribution of canteen books, chocolates, socks, etc... to patient at Connecticut VA hospitals. As Chaplain along with the Commander he leads chapter members in services at wakes and funerals and visits families of deceased veterans offering DAV assistance. He has served on the Derby/Shelton parade committee for 25 years, assisting in planning the annual Memorial DAY Services and Parade in May of each year. He has very graciously provided the parade car for our disabled veterans. The parade committee begins planning in October of each year and ends in June.