Regional Industry & News

Goshen Disabled American Veterans chapter ordered to shut down bar, gaming operations

Chapter says thousands of members could lose access to key services if it loses its primary funding source

GOSHEN, Ind. (WNDU) - The national headquarters of Disabled American Veterans ordered Goshen Memorial DAV Chapter 15 to shut down its bar and charity gaming operations, a move the chapter says could eliminate services for thousands of veterans.

The order, issued July 13 by the DAV Department of Indiana, directs the chapter to fire its staff, surrender its state alcohol permit and gaming license, and sell its equipment.

First Vice Commander Craig Stiver said the bar and gaming operations represent the chapter’s primary source of income.

“If we give those up, that’s essentially our whole income, everything else is donations,” Stiver said. “They say you can still have a fundraiser — well if you’re not going to have a place for people to come in and enjoy themselves, that’s kind of hard to do.”

Stiver said the chapter requested a 30-day extension to seek legal advice, but that request was denied.

“He turned down the request for the 30-day extension, and basically that’s where we stand now,” Stiver said.

The chapter says the shutdown would eliminate financial assistance it provides to veterans, including help with rent, mortgage, utilities, and funeral expenses.

“We help them out with rent, mortgage, utilities, we’ve helped out with a lot of funeral expenses over the years — that would just disappear,” Stiver said. “Without having income from a bar lounge and gaming, it is only a matter of time.”

National DAV issued a statement saying Chapter 15’s service expenditures for 2025 equated to just 1.9% and that the chapter had failed to meet DAV’s required threshold of service to veterans going back to the 2022/2023 accounting year. The statement said the chapter’s charter has not been revoked and that DAV services remain available to veterans in the community.

Chapter members were meeting Tuesday night to learn about the order from state leadership as the chapter determines its next steps.

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