A Father's Last Wish to Support Hospitalized Veterans

Although not a Veteran himself, Jack Dadds, Jr. was surrounded with family members who served in the military, including his father, uncles, and his son, Derrick. When the Golts, MD resident passed in April 2020, son Derrick, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, set out to fulfill one of his father’s last wishes, which was to respect and honor those who served in the military. 

“My father wasn’t able to join the service due to medical reasons,” Derrick Dadds explains. “But the military was always very near and dear to him. He was a member of the American Legion Post 18 in Centreville and got the Sons of the American Legion started there.”   

The obituary for Jack Dadds requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Perry Point VA Medical Center, which is a part of the VA Maryland Health Care System. Then came the idea to take things a step further. Derrick decided he would hold a raffle and memorial service to raise additional funds for Veterans in his father’s memory.

While plans had to be put on hold due to the pandemic, by the summer of 2021, Derrick had organized a raffle and began selling tickets. Local businesses—including those owned by family members—and Veteran Service Organizations—including VFW Post 5246 in Federalsburg, American Legion Post 18 in Centreville, and American Legion Post 296 in Queenstown—assisted in the efforts. Derrick also made arrangements for the memorial service to be held at the Double Tap Tavern, a local establishment formerly known as CJs Tavern and owned by Jack Dadds, Jr. and his wife, Connie, until 2019. There, it was decided, the raffle drawing would take place and friends and family could gather to share memories of Jack Dadds, Jr., and celebrate his life.

Derrick estimates close to 100 people attended the memorial service on September 18. Between the raffle ticket sales and funds generated at the event through the sales of 50/50 raffle tickets as well as food and beverages, a total of $17,120 was raised. Derrick donated the entire amount to benefit the Veteran patients residing at the Perry Point VA Medical Center. Roughly half of the funds will go to support recreational activities for the hospitalized Veterans and the other half will support the health care system’s annual holiday gift program, which ensures every hospitalized Veteran receives a holiday gift bag filled with an assortment of items.

“We are always grateful for the amazing support we receive from the members of our local communities,” said Kelley Anthony, assistant director for the VA Maryland Health Care System. “Their generosity helps to remind Veterans that their service and sacrifice to our nation is not forgotten. We are especially touched by the fitting way that Mr. Dadds has memorialized his father and carried out his father’s last wishes to honor Veterans.”