The City of Melbourne voted to donate a property at 2265 N Harbor City Blvd to the James L. Golightly Chapter 32 of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The chapter has helped veterans apply for disability benefits since 1978. Chapter Commander Adan Caraballo said many veterans come to the organization unsure if they qualify for benefits or overwhelmed by the paperwork. More than 120 veterans visit the chapter each month.
City officials said donating the property will allow the DAV to apply for state and federal grants that were previously unavailable while the land remained city-owned. Melbourne City Councilman Mark LaRusso said during a council discussion that being city property limited grant opportunities. Caraballo said the donation could help the chapter improve its facilities or build a new building to better serve veterans.
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Tim Thomas said the DAV’s services made a difference for him. He noted the disability claims process can be complicated and discouraging without guidance. Caraballo emphasized that the donation comes with a condition: the property must continue to support disabled veterans. If the chapter stops its mission, the city will reclaim the property.
The chapter has operated from the same location for nearly 80 years. The donation follows years of advocacy by local officials and veterans groups. City staff said the transfer will be finalized in the coming weeks. The DAV plans to use the property to expand its outreach and support services for veterans in Brevard County.