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Eagle Scout honors heroes

Harold Shaffer, a Vietnam veteran and Kasey Mosser’s grandfather, was the teen’s inspiration to donate to DAV
Harold Shaffer, a Vietnam veteran and Kasey Mosser’s grandfather, was the teen’s inspiration to donate to DAV

Kasey Mosser—an Eagle Scout candidate—drove around his hometown of Claysburg, Pennsylvania, searching for a tribute to America’s service members. When he couldn’t locate a memorial to our fallen veterans, he decided to build one. 

“As I looked around, nothing stood out to me that showed our gratitude to those who have served our country on the battlefield,” Kasey said. He became determined to build a monument to veterans for his Eagle Scout project.

Kasey approached the board of Claysburg Union Cemetery in Blair County, proposing the construction of a monument at the entrance for military veterans and first responders. Since many veterans are buried in the cemetery, the board was receptive to Kasey’s idea. Within three months, he had raised $10,000 through community donations. He hired a contractor and paid for the materials.

Then, Kasey, his father and both of his grandfathers got to work. It was truly a family affair. 

Upon completing the project, the young man was surprised to discover a significant amount of funds was left over. Inspired by one of his grandfathers who served in Vietnam, Kasey decided to donate the rest of the money to help disabled veterans. 

“What better way to further show our support than to give the leftover money to a trustworthy organization like DAV?” he said.

During Claysburg’s Memorial Day celebration in 2022, Kasey handed a check for $700 to Ed Knisely, adjutant of DAV Chapter 34 in Osceola Mills. 

“These funds will certainly help in assisting veterans at our local VA hospital and the VA home in our area,” said Knisely.

Kasey’s desire to honor our disabled veterans with funds collected from his local community demonstrates that DAV has a bright future ahead. Kasey, and others in Generation Z, are proving they can make a difference for disabled veterans.


Help us keep the promise to America's veterans for generations to come! Donate today.


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