The Ceremony took place at Prince Solms Park in New Braunfels, Texas and was attended by 125 veterans and citizens. The ceremony participants included: District Commander Walt Myers, Commander of Post 179 Pat Seegers, Event Co-Chair Dan Hafeman, Chaplain Richard Nielsen, Mayor Bruce Boyer, NBHS Marine JRROTC Color Guard, Bag Piper Steve Hypes, and guest speakers: Capt. Mike Meek USAF, and Dan Castillo, TDVA VP.
Donald Burton, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, was elected President of TDVA at the 2nd Annual Board of Director’s meeting held March 2010.
He served his country with distinction in the US Army in various combat specialties with multiple units to include the 2nd, 7th and 82nd ID and 7th Special Forces before retiring in 1994.
Don has served as a volunteer for over 25 years in varying capacities to include the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and the Special Forces Association (SFA).
He holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Harrington University and is a Texas Notary Signing Agent and Parliamentarian.
Additionally, Don has been a driving force behind the success of the TDVA today. He is one of the main reasons for the multiple computer setup and configuration software setup/contributions that are in place today at Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) unit at Audie Murphy Veterans Affairs Hospital for those patients in recovery and/or therapy. The patients now have access to the Internet, email communication and “Dragon-speak” software among other things.
Steven Lynn, a native of Tampa, Florida, served as the Secretary of TDVA and was appointed to that position in July 2009. He is now serving as Member-At-Large.
Steve served his country with distinction in the US Air Force having served both in the enlisted corps and later receiving his commission through Officer Training School. He served in South Korea, Italy, Turkey and Germany and various stateside bases from flight to HQs level before retiring in 2007 after nearly 22 years of honorable service.
He is man of deep faith and devoted father of one daughter–Naiya. He is a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Legion—New Braunfels, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Community Bible Church—New Braunfels (CBC-NB).
Steve holds an undergraduate degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Professional Aeronautics and two Master’s degrees from Webster University in Management and Human Resource Development. He also returned to school to begin his doctorate degree in counseling.
Dan is a native of West Texas and served with the U.S. Army. He has served for over 25 years as a member, newsletter editor, advocacy director, legislative director and held multiple board of director positions in various veteran and civilian organizations. Dan is a founding member of TDVA and strongly advocates for improving the benefits entitled to all fellow veterans! Dan is a proud father of son Chris who is an Accountant.
