Retired NSO Collie M. Mattfeld dies.

Collie M. Mattfeld, 73, a retired DAV National Service Officer (NSO), died in San Diego, on Oct. 27, 2005, following and extended illness.

"Collie Mattfeld was a close and loyal friend," National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson said. "He was a retired Army command sergeant major who brought a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our NSO corps. His thorough professionalism, quick wit and compassion for disabled veterans and their families, and the myriad challenges and issues affecting them, made Collie a highly respected DAV NSO. While we mourn the loss of our friend and advocate, we are secure in the knowledge that our organization and the lives of countless disabled veterans and their families are better today for his unwavering dedi cation to our cause."

Mattfeld was born March 31, 1932 in New York City where he attended local schools. He entered the U.S. Army in October 1949. He received shrapnel wounds to his left leg and a fracture to his right in May 1951 while serving in the Korean War and was discharged in October 1952. He reenlisted in the Army January 1953 and continued his military career as a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, which included service in the Vietnam War. He retired an Army command sergeant major on June 30, 1977.

Mattfeld joined the DAV professional staff as a National Service Officer Trainee in I979 and was assigned to the Salt Lake City DAV National Service Office, where he was promoted to supervisor in September 1982. In July 1992, he was reassigned as supervisor to the San Diego National Service Office and served there until his retirement on March 31, 1997. He was a life member of DAV Chapter 2, San Diego and remained active in various aspects of the DAV following his retirement.

His wife Hermine; sons, Frederick, Andrew, Eric and Mark; brother, Roger Reeverts; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren survive Mattfeld.