One man’s quest to honor veterans through volunteerism

(Left-to-right) Frank Casapulla, army veteran and DAV member, Bill Canning and John Streff, both Auxiliary members, prepare for a day on the golf course. Canning, a volunteer with DAV and the Auxiliary recently was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award by DAV Chapter 18 in Bradenton, Fla.

In 1968—at the height of the Vietnam War—Bill Canning watched as friends were called to serve in the nation’s military after completing high school. But because of a medical condition, he was deemed ineligible.

“I never served,” said Canning. “I was not medically permitted, as I had a hole in my stomach that would not heal and eventually got infected.”

Eventually a surgery would heal Canning’s physical wounds, and he would go on to a career in plumbing and coaching little league baseball, but the New Hampshire native still struggled with the mental anguish of not being able to serve.

“I have felt like I didn’t do my part,” Canning said. “It was time for me to give back, and to do my part.”

Since retiring and moving to Florida seven years ago Canning found his way to give back those who served through DAV’s volunteer programs. In 2016, he was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award by DAV Chapter 18 in Bradenton, Fla. The commander’s award is not often bestowed upon a non-veteran, but Canning has given up three-to-four days of his time each week to organize and operate a fundraising golf tournament the last two years.

Thanks to Canning’s efforts, the tournament has raised nearly $35,000 in donations over the past two years to support DAV’s “Just B Kids” program, which enables children of wounded, injured, ill or fallen military service members to attend a free, one-of-a-kind summer camp experience at Golden Corral’s Camp Corral.

“I like to try and help the children,” said Canning. “I feel very proud of that.”

“We are so grateful for the support of Mr. Canning and DAV Chapter 18 in Bradenton,” said Mary Beth Hernandez, Camp Corral CEO. “Their hard work and generosity will enable us to send 50 children to Camp Corral.”

“Bill is very deserving of the award,” said Amie Raber, DAV Auxiliary Unit 18 member out of Bradenton, Fla. “He and his wife are at every function we hold. If they’re not given a job they jump in and find something to help with.”

Canning and his wife, Lynn Garcia, also give up their holidays to come in and cook for veterans.

“It means everything,” Lynn said. “We volunteer every holiday. We enjoy spending it with people and feeding the veterans who come in for a free meal. It is always nice to see their smiling faces.”

Lynn admitted to being a little taken back about her husband receiving the award.

“Gee wiz, volunteer of the year, that’s a big deal,” Lynn said. “I was absolutely thrilled. I was crying when they presented the award.”

“It all came as a surprise to me, as I wasn’t expecting anything,” said Canning. “It makes me want to do more and more.”

“This just goes to show that you do not need to be a veteran yourself to stand up and make a difference in the veteran community,” said DAV National Voluntary Services Director John Kleindienst.

“I couldn’t do what I do without my wife, Lynn,” said Canning. “It just means the world to think I contribute to an organization like DAV, and how well I have been received.”

To find out more about volunteer opportunities with DAV, visit https://www.dav.org/help-dav/volunteer/.