According to USMC records, the PFC Robert L. Cochran, Jr. was named for his father who lived in Punta Gorda, Florida. PFC Cochran, Serial Number 431698, CO A, 1st BN, 2nd Marine Division was Killed In Action (KIA) on Mariana Islands, 8 July 1944.

Over our more than 60 years in existence, Robert L. Cochran, Jr. Chapter 82 DAV (also known as [AKA] DAVRLC) has helped Tens-of-Thousands of servicemembers, Veterans and their families in the multi-county area that includes Charlotte, Sarasota, DeSoto, Lee and Collier. Quick fact: Cochran Blvd. in Port Charlotte was christened in honor of our namesake: Robert L. Cochran, Jr. We are now located at 1441 Tamiami Trail; Unit 349, Port Charlotte, Fl 33948-4004 and our phone number is (941) 629-2833.

What we are: As a non-profit, fully unpaid volunteer organization, 100% of the funds donated to DAVRLC stay local and are used by DAVRLC to help local veterans and their families. This is done with the voluntary and devoted efforts of our approximately twenty trained Department and Chapter Service Officers, Line Officers, office staff and other hands-on, working volunteers. The assistance we provide Veterans with their claims for benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), yields thousands of dollars in local revenue. Frankly, after over 60 years of DAVRLC Pro-Bono work, the actual figure of funds generated is in the millions of dollars!

How we got here: Back in August 2004 when hurricane Charley wrecked our original office on Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte, DAVRLC was forced to move to an intermediate location. That became more than a temporary location for many years at Market Circle. After more than twenty years, our services desperately needed a new location. The Port Charlotte Town Center Mall enables the DAVRLC to realize a multitude of achievements. It provides greater visibility within the community for servicemembers, Veterans and their families coming in to the office.

How we have grown: DAVRLC experienced an exponential growth in the number of veterans we serve: jumping from one hundred/month to five hundred/month. Concurrently, this required an increase in the number of Department and Chapter Service Officers to satisfy this requirement without compromising the quality of the service provided. The processing and reporting of claims for benefits has taken on a new dimension as even the tools and processes change. Gone are the days of veterans being sent home with foms to fill out by hand; then bring back so the Service Officer could FAX it in to the Central Office for the VA. Now Service Officers retrieve and complete the forms digitally, all while the veteran is sitting in the Service Office; then the form(s) is/are printed and signed, and submitted for submission to the VA through the DAV Case Management System (CMS). With the certification of two Department Service Officers, there is the potential for an additional access provided for assistance processing at the Port Charlotte CBOC.

Our Auxiliary team-mate: DAVRLC has the honor of partnering with an Auxiliary Unit with which it to fulfill its mission of service to disabled Veterans and their families. That relations continues to flourish and their blended organizations achieve improve the quality of life that Veterans deserve. They are teamed up to support the Douglas T Jacobson State Veterans Nursing Home in Port Charlotte, FL.

The purpose of DAV Chapter 82 extends beyond providing engagement and assistance with VA and government benefits. It aligns with the broader mission of supporting disabled veterans, fostering camaraderie, advocating for their rights, and serving the community. Some key purposes include:

  1. Advocacy & Representation – Ensuring veterans receive the benefits and recognition they deserve by working with the VA, lawmakers, and other agencies.

  2. Camaraderie & Support Network – Creating a space where veterans can connect, share experiences, and support each other through the transition to civilian life.

  3. Community Service – Encouraging veterans to give back through volunteer efforts, mentorship programs, and partnerships with local organizations.

  4. Education & Outreach – Raising awareness about veterans’ issues, benefits, and resources through events, workshops, and public engagement.

  5. Philanthropy & Sustainability – Seeking ways to maintain and grow the chapter’s impact through fundraising, partnerships, and strategic planning.

DAVRLC believes it is important to not only be able to help the younger individual veterans but also their wives, significant others and children. Family is everything these days and we need a facility that will sponsor events to bring new veterans into the organization along with their families. Increasing our ability to help veterans that served in Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, 911, Afghanistan and other recent conflicts is paramount. The Chapter 82 DAV needs visibility and expanded facilities to accomplish these attainable goals.