Yankton’s local VFW post relies on volunteers to make things operate smoothly and most importantly to serve Veterans. One of those cogs in the well-oiled military machine is Dale Stibral. Dale volunteers primarily at the VFW. However, he also puts volunteer time in at the Nursing Home, Assisted Living, and Walnut Village just about every Friday to go see Veterans. Dale easily spends over 40 hours a week visiting with veterans, along with cooking, and cleaning at the VFW. He is jokingly referred to as the head cook, and the post handyman. If its broke Dale will try to fix it.
Cody Mangold, Yankton County Veteran’s Service Officer shared that, “without Dale the VFW and its patrons would not be able to have the amazing food that we have to serve. He makes it be known to other veterans that their fellow veterans do care, and he shows this by going to see them almost weekly. He makes sure the Post home is clean, and that things are working the way they should. If Dale didn't do all the things, he does behind the scenes, the VFW would not run as smoothly.”
We asked Dale to share more about his volunteerism, in his own words.
I lived in Yankton area all my life, except for my military service. I was born at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
I began volunteering back in the late 1970’s with the VFW Honor Guard.
I volunteer with the VFW cooking, cleaning, and doing repairs. I also volunteer with Trinity Lutheran Church where I cook for soup kitchens. Hospital visits in the Yankton area are an additional volunteer activity.
Volunteer work in enjoyable because for me its just a good feeling that you can help someone out and be there for them when they need someone.
My best volunteer experience was all the hospital visits with the patients. May time patients don’t have many visitors and just need to talk with someone. Military order of the Cootie “Keep ‘em Smilin’ Beds of White”
The advice I would give to those thinking about getting out there and volunteering in their communities is that it is a good feeling you get for yourself in helping someone and to better the community.
Thank you, Dale for your extraordinary efforts.
To learn more about local volunteer opportunities or to nominate a Volunteer of the Month, please visit www.yanktonunitedway.org/volunteer, email info@yanktonunitedway.org, or call United Way of Greater Yankton at (605) 665-6766.
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