About DAV Chapter 50
DAV Chapter 50 proudly bears the name of Alfred “Al” Bartraw Jr., a disabled veteran whose life reflected service, perseverance, and dedication to his fellow veterans.
Al was born on November 22, 1938, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He served in the United States Coast Guard and later became a member of Disabled American Veterans. After his military service, he worked for the Virginia Office of the Tuberculosis and Respiratory Disease Association in Richmond. He died following a long illness on February 18, 1970, at McGuire Veterans Hospital. He was 31 years old.
By carrying his name, Al Bartraw Jr. DAV Chapter 50 honors his memory and the sacrifices made by disabled veterans of every generation. Our chapter continues that legacy by helping veterans and their families obtain the benefits they have earned, connecting them with valuable resources, encouraging fellowship, and advocating for those who served.
We welcome veterans, families, and community members who share our commitment to ensuring that America’s disabled veterans receive the respect, support, and recognition they deserve.
Located in Chesterfield, VA
The Disabled American Veteran (DAV) Chapter 50, Chesterfield, VA is also known as Al Bartraw Jr. DAV. The chapter is a dedicated nonprofit organization founded to serve, empower, and advocate for Virginia’s wounded, injured, and disabled veterans and their families. Upholding both the Constitution of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia, our chapter is committed to advancing the interests and well-being of every veteran who has sacrificed for our nation.
Our Mission Statement
We are dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. We accomplish this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
This mission is carried forward by:
Providing free, professional assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services earned through military service and provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies of government.
Providing outreach concerning its program services to the American people generally, and to disabled veterans and their families specifically.
Representing the interests of disabled veterans, their families, their widowed spouses and their orphans before Congress, the White House and the Judicial Branch, as well as state and local government.
Extending DAV’s mission of hope into the communities where these veterans and their families live through a network of state-level Departments and local Chapters.
Providing a structure through which disabled veterans can express their compassion for their fellow veterans through a variety of volunteer programs.
Meet Your Chapter 50 Leadership
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Sir Hallie M. Oxley Jr.
Commander
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Retina Turner
SR. Vice Commander
Membership Chairperson
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Mitchell L. Kuptz
Adjutant
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Franklin D. Dance
Treasurer
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Richard P. Lehmann
Judge Advocate
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David A. Preston
Chaplain
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Virgil Suarez
1st JR. Vice Commander
Benefits Protection Team Leader
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Tim Hunt
2nd JR. Vice Commander
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Ed G. Hansell
Sergeant-at-Arms
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Regina B. Lawrence
Elected Executive Committee Member Department Executive Committee (DEC)
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Robert T. Schofield
Alternate Executive Committee Member
Alternate Department Executive Committee (ADEC)
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Alan Clemmons
Assistant Adjutant
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VACANT
Assistant Treasurer
Memoriam Archive
This archive is dedicated to preserving the memory of DAV Chapter 50 members, veterans, leaders, and supporters who have passed on. Their service and contributions remain part of our chapter’s history and legacy.