103-year-old Charitable Gift Annuity Donor is a living testament that ‘it’s never too late to support the Trust’

LaVerne Requarth
LaVerne Requarth

LaVerne Requarth is one of the DAV Charitable Service Trust’s (Trust) most beloved Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) donors. When speaking to Requarth, one is humbled by her love and patriotism for our country and our veterans. She has been dubbed the “DAV Sweetheart” for her unfailing sweet and kind disposition, but also because of her heartfelt devotion to veterans.

It was Requarth’s love for veterans that led her to want to leave a lasting legacy to the Trust. After conducting research and consulting with our Gift Planning Department, she opened her Charitable Gift Annuity with the Trust back in 2005, at the age of 92. Just one year prior, Requarth had lost her grade-school sweetheart and husband of 30 years. Her husband, Col. Jack Requarth, was a 30-year veteran whose service included the invasion on Omaha Beach during D-Day.

“God love the military,” Requarth said. “They do so much for us. It’s hard on them and their families. I love the service. My husband didn’t talk much about it, but I really admired him. This gift was my way of honoring and memorializing his great sacrifice, along with all those who served before and after him.”

The Requarths shared a lifetime of love and compassion for veterans and soldiers alike, making the decision to take out a Charitable Gift Annuity through the Trust an easy one. At 92 years old, Requarth established a Charitable Gift Annuity that now, at 103, continues to provide her with fixed income payments, which she will receive for the rest of her life.

If, like Requarth, you “love the service” and want to lend your support to the millions of veterans who’ve served, contact DAV today to discuss taking out your own Charitable Gift Annuity through the Trust. One of DAV’s Gift Planning staff will be happy to send you an illustration and/ or discuss your personal options. With a gift of $10,000 or more, you can receive generous fixed payments for life, while also leaving a legacy of hope and compassion for the men and women who served.