Deyarmin family receives award for Poker Run efforts

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by Amanda Harnocz

Reporter

Tallmadge -- The Deyarmin Family, organizers of the annual Lance Cpl. Daniel "Nate" Deyarmin Jr. Memorial Benefit Poker Run in honor of their son, received an award from Summit Psychological Associates in Akron for raising money for disabled veterans and their families.

The citizen recognition award is presented to someone "who has performed a heroic or charitable act," Beth Kuckuck of Summit Psychological Associates said, adding, "it was an honor to give Edie Deyarmin the award."

"I usually give out awards at the poker run," Edie said. "I never get them."

The event, which was started about six weeks after Nate was killed in Iraq, has raised more than $70,000 for disabled veterans and their families and the Disabled American Veteran group during the past three years.

This year's event, which took place June 8, raised more than $20,000.

"I didn't get to say thanks to my son," Edie Deyarmin said. "But I can say it to other veterans. Their service doesn't usually stand out after they are back home -- they worked for it and they deserve recognition."

Edie said she is happy to be helping veterans in need and said she believes her son would "be very proud and if he were alive, he'd be doing the same thing."

The event continues to grow each year in support and popularity, Edie said. The last event had more than 100 volunteers and 40 to 50 classic cars for the cruise-in.

"Sometimes you don't know what to do to help, but this is a way to do something," she said.

"In a selfish way," Edie admitted, "it has helped us heal and ensure his memory will not be forgotten."

In addition to donating money to the Disabled American Veteran group, Edie helps veterans and their families on a more personal level.

Edie said she will meet veterans to give them food for the day, pay their electric bill, help pay rent and make sure funerals are paid for.

The only thing Edie said she requires is proof of service and she will do what she can with the money in the Deyarmin Foundation to help the veterans.

"I don't know how that would have affected me," Edie said about the possibility of not being able to afford things like a funeral for her son. "We were lucky to have community support. I want to give that same support to other veterans."

Veterans, or people who wish to refer a veteran to the Deyarmin family for help, may call 330-633-5296.

E-mail: aharnocz@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3911