Car dealership donates van to veterans organization

Don "K" General Manager Kevin Kaltschmidt and Erik Kaltschmidt represented the Don "K" Family Foundation and the Don "K" Whitefish dealership recently as they handed Mary Lou Fitzpatrick and Valerie Jaxson of the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley the keys to a Dodge Grand Caravan.  

The United Veterans of the Flathead Valley is a crucial all-volunteer organization of military veterans and veteran family members dedicated to providing military funeral honors to all area vets.  

Mary Lou Fitzpatrick, the organization's Captain of the Guard, said the group served at over 80 funerals last year. 

“It is truly our honor to offer every veteran this last measure of well-earned thanks from a grateful nation,” Fitzpatrick said. “This new vehicle will enable us to travel worry-free to events for several years."  

Fitzpatrick said the organization appreciates the donation which will provide support to the group’s ongoing mission. The van will be used to transport flags and equipment to funeral services.  

As a veteran himself and part of a family with a proud military history, Kevin Kaltschmidt said he is happy to provide the donation.  

“We are grateful to be in a position to assist this organization with its vital mission of honoring the many vets who live in our area,” he said. “We understand the meaning of what they offer to both the veterans and their families.”