Submitted Photo Logan Davis, left, stands with country artist Coffey Anderson, who paid an unexpected visit May 30 to inform Davis he had been selected as a North Dakota’s veteran in the 50 Days, 50 States, 50 Veterans campaign.

BISMARCK – A campaign to raise donations in 50 days for 50 veterans in 50 states recently came to North Dakota to honor Army and Vietnam War veteran Logan Davis.

On Saturday, May 30, Davis received a visit from country artist Coffey Anderson, during which a video was made to help share his story as one of 50 veterans being gifted through the national campaign.

The 50 Days, 50 States, 50 Veterans campaign was launched by Australia native Samuel Weidenhofer, an internet personality, content creator and kindness promoter. The campaign began May 1 and runs through June 20. A veteran from each state, selected from nominations, is getting a dedicated GoFundMe fundraiser in which their stories, updates and messages of support can be followed.

As with many of the veterans featured in the campaign, the announcement of his selection was kept a surprise to Davis, to best capture on video an authentic moment for sharing his story with the wider community.

Shaiyan Davis of Bismarck helped coordinate the logistics of Anderson’s visit in Bismarck with her father, who lives in New Town. She said her father, 71, works every day despite ongoing health issues.

“He followed in my grandfather’s footsteps and volunteered for the Army during the Vietnam War. Service, sacrifice and hard work have always been part of who he is,” Shaiyan Davis wrote about her father. “But, what truly makes him extraordinary to me is that he raised me, his only daughter, completely on his own without any hesitation. As a single father, he worked hard and somehow filled every role a parent could. He gave me stability, love, and support even during times when I know things weren’t easy for him.”

Logan Davis has had open heart surgery and suffered a stroke but hasn’t slowed down, continuing to work as a security guard to help make ends meet, his daughter said.

“He has spent his life helping others without ever asking for anything in return,” she said.

An enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, Logan Davis is the second of three generations of veterans. His father, Eli Davis, was a World War II veteran and his son, Logan Davis II, has served with the U.S. Army Special Forces.

Weidenhofer is personally visiting 30 states to raise the profile of veterans in need. All GoFundMe donations go to the veterans.

The project was inspired by the story of Ed Bambas, an 88-year-old Michigan veteran whose fundraiser received overwhelming support after his story was shared online. After helping raise $1.94 million For Bambas, Weidenhofer realized many veterans across America faced similar challenges, so he decided to create a larger initiative that could help veterans nationwide. Veterans have been identified through community nominations, existing fundraising efforts, referrals from charities and veteran organizations, and outreach from supporters across the country. His team reviews stories to identify veterans and military families facing significant challenges, including health issues, financial hardship, housing concerns, caregiving responsibilities or other circumstances where community support could make a meaningful difference, according to Weidenhofer.

Anderson was chosen to bestow the honor on Davis due to his support for the mission by raising awareness for veterans and their stories. Anderson has filmed veterans from four states in this campaign, including one for whom the campaign has raised more than $230,000 already, Weidenhofer said.

Bambas provided a $50,000 gift, or $1,000 per veteran, toward the campaign as a gesture of appreciation and support.

There are no specific restrictions placed on how recipients use their GoFundMe donations.

“Each veteran’s circumstances are different,” Weidenhofer said. “Recipients are trusted to use the gift in whatever way best supports their needs, whether that involves household expenses, medical costs, transportation, housing or personal priorities.”