May 21, 2024

Avey recognized upon retirement from leading Adair County Veterans Affairs

By Caleb Nelson
Duane Avey (middle) receives a quilt from the Red, White and Blue Quilt Guild at the Veterans Resource Fair held Thursday, Sept. 14, presented by Grace Evans. The quilt guild will be doing a presentation in November, however Avey won't be available for that presentation.

Duane Avey (middle) receives a quilt from the Red, White and Blue Quilt Guild at the Veterans Resource Fair held Thursday, Sept. 14, presented by Grace Evans. The quilt guild will be doing a presentation in November, however Avey won't be available for that presentation. (Caleb Nelson)

Retiring Adair County Veterans Affairs Director Duane Avey was honored last Thursday to be presented with a commeorative coffee mug and lots of appreciation for his time serving the veterans of this area.

A Veterans Resource Fair was held Thursday at the 4-H/FFA Center, and Avey’s retirement recognition was made part of it. Numerous resources were made available to veterans and a meal was served by the Bridgewater American Legion Auxiliary and the Adair County Pork Producers.

Avey served in the United States Army from 1969-71 and was stationed in Europe. Later, he raised his right hand again to committ to helping people by becoming VA Director here in January 2019.

Avey has also supported veterans in big ways by participating in the Patriot Guard, which are motorcyclists who guard protestors from impeding on the funerals of veterans, and the Missing in America Project. He has done this both in Iowa and Arizona, where Avey spent a lot of his adult life.

Avey became the one over veterans affairs here when Rick Schaecher resigned due to health issues, and Schaecher passed away in July 2019.

“I’m glad to have served all the veterans I could. It will seem strange to not be working, but I guess I’ll live through it,” Avey said. “It’s just time to quit, time to slow down a little bit.”

Avey’s primary goal was assisting veterans. Over his time in the director’s seat, he has seen that there are a lot of people whose goal is to assist veterans. He’s just happy he could be one of them.

Avey explained he owes a lot of gratitude to Veterans Affairs commissioners Lee Ashmore, John Schildberg and Lucas Queck for their work within the organization.

There are many people who have helped them accomplish their tasks in the last four years. For instance, Stan Frese and Carolyn Edsall were honored at the resource fair for their service as drivers for veterans going to and from appointments.

“There are a lot of people who come in and wanted to help,” Avey said. “It made it an enjoyable experience.”

Hospice of the Midwest and Daughters of the American Revolution each held pinning ceremonies for various veterans as part of the resource fair.

Lee Ashmore (right) and John Schildberg (left) present Duane Avey with a commemorative coffee mug upon his retirement as Adair County Veterans Affairs Director.

Lee Ashmore (right) and John Schildberg (left) present Duane Avey with a commemorative coffee mug upon his retirement as Adair County Veterans Affairs Director. (Caleb Nelson)

Caleb Nelson

Caleb Nelson

Caleb Nelson has served as News Editor of the Adair County Free Press and Fontanelle Observer since Oct. 2017. He and his wife Kilee live in Greenfield. In Greenfield and the greater Adair County area, he values the opportunity to tell peoples' stories, enjoys playing guitar, following all levels of sports, and being a part of his local church.