Disabled American Veterans

SERVICE PROGRAM: Our National Service Program features more than 100 offices nationwide and includes a robust corps of national and transition service officers who stand ready to offer advice and represent veterans in their claims for the benefits they have earned in service to us all. With our chapter service officers, department service officers and transition service officers, as well as county veteran service officers, DAV has over 3,700 benefits experts. All DAV benefits advocates are veterans and are available nationwide to help other veterans and their families navigate their benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Benefits advocates provide counseling on VA claims and appeals-all at no cost-and stay with the veteran throughout every step of the process. Information seminars educate veterans and their families on specific veterans benefits and services. These free seminars are held in person or virtually and are conducted by DAV benefits advocates nationwide.

COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM: DAV's National Communications Department runs internal and external communications programs-including, but not limited to, publications, media relations, digital material and numerous outreach efforts-to tell DAV's story and support its key objectives. A bimonthly magazine informs our members on critical issues and policies impacting the federal benefits and services veterans have earned through their service. It also brings attention to DAV's state-level departments and our local chapters by highlighting their many successful service programs and, therefore, inspiring strong and effective strategies in communities from coast to coast. By producing public service announcements, news releases, brochures, speeches, op-eds, print messages, educational videos and other content, DAV is able to spread information about our organization and the complete scope of free services that help create more victories for veterans. DAV also continues to maintain a healthy presence on various social media networks. Additionally, all of DAV's more than 1 million members continue to receive the bimonthly DAV Magazine, which acts as the official voice of DAV and its Auxiliary. With such an immense collection of programs and services, DAV is able to provide detailed research and resources to best explain issues with facts, applicable examples and important context. As a result, our educational public service and outreach programs continue to promote awareness of veterans' issues and honor veterans' service to our nation.

PUBLIC AWARENESS OUTREACH: When our heroes return home from military service, many struggle to regain a sense of normalcy. They must start the long and often difficult process of healing and rehabilitation so that they can begin to rebuild the lives they once knew. They must find jobs and often housing, as well as relearn how to relate to their families after having been away for long periods of time. Accessing basic health services can be daunting. That's why DAV is here to help them every step of the way. Too many of our wounded, ill and injured veterans haven't accessed the benefits and services they've earned. Most simply aren't aware of their rights and benefits or the free help our National Service Program can provide with filing for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and other government agencies. Neither are they aware of the wide range of other programs we offer to wounded, ill and injured veterans and their families. This program supplements the outreach efforts already built into our other program services. It offers the American public an even greater opportunity to become personally involved in identifying and assisting the men and women who have served our nation.

OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM: The lifeblood of DAV is its membership. When veterans join DAV, they enlist in a fight to ensure our nation keeps its promises to those who've served. The unwavering devotion that members dedicate to our mission has made DAV the premier veteran's service organization, and our commitment has spanned nearly a century. DAV is the leading voice for our nation's injured and ill veterans, regardless of service era. This commitment is expressed in our mission statement and makes DAV unique among other organizations. DAV was founded in the immediate aftermath of World War I, as no group then existed to provide and advocate for veterans forever changed by military service. Our legacy has evolved to meet the changing needs of members, families and caregivers amid the historical journey of our nation. Our military and American society continues to change, and DAV embraces those changes to ensure veterans of all service eras and genders are able to have their chance at the American dream. Today, social networking and other changes to the ways Americans communicate allow DAV members to play a larger role than ever as spokespeople advocating for the unique needs of the veteran community. We continue to respond to the needs of the current generation of veterans and are also steadfast in our resolution to ensure equitable support for another vital part of our community-veteran caregivers. These unsung heroes provide unfaltering dedication to disabled veterans, often assuming a life of heavy responsibility and sacrifice to care for their loved ones affected by devastating illness or injury. STATE SERVICES AND DISASTER RELIEF: When disasters strike, DAV benefits advocates are on the ground to help our nation's veterans and their families. DAV provides disaster relief through financial assistance and supply kits to veterans and their families to help them obtain necessities such as food, warm clothes and shelter. VOLUNTARY SERVICES PROGRAM: The DAV Transportation Network is a unique program that has successfully helped veterans get to and from their medical appointments and throughout their daily lives for nearly 35 years. The program is the largest of its kind for veterans in the nation. Operated by dedicated DAV volunteer drivers, the program provides transportation to and from 228 VA medical centers and outpatient clinics. The amount of hours DAV volunteers dedicate, the miles they drive, and the number of rides they provide to veterans are a testament to the promises we've ensured were kept. Thousands of DAV volunteers are dedicated to helping fellow veterans wherever they are in our communities. Whether helping prepare VA claims packages, caring for veterans experiencing homelessness, running a food drive or participating in countless other opportunities, these volunteers have continued to be the face of our organization to so many in need. DAV honors volunteers who demonstrate outstanding dedication and service to America's veterans each year. DAV offers college scholarships open to volunteers age 21 or younger who have contributed a minimum of 100 hours credited through DAV or the DAV Auxiliary. EMPLOYMENT/ENTREPRENEURIAL SERVICES PROGRAM DAV Patriot Boot Camp hosts in-person training events and provides monthly training and resources to empower participants to succeed. This program complements DAV's ongoing efforts to support and advocate on behalf of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. DAV's employment program connects transitioning active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, veterans and their spouses with employers looking to provide meaningful career opportunities. LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM: At more than 1 million members strong, we step up, organize and advocate for the most critical issues veterans and their families face. DAV's National Legislative Department takes resolutions, adopted by DAV members at our annual national convention, to Congress to advocate for improved federal laws, regulations and policies of the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies whose programs support our nation's veterans. DAV CAN (Commander's Action Network) helps our members and supporters stay informed and take action to support federal legislation and policies affecting veterans, their families and their survivors. Public Service Announcement Program: The organization continued to capitalize on its awareness efforts through its Victories for Veterans public service announcements (PSA). This integrated public awareness campaign-which includes TV, radio, print ads and out-of-home components-presents the stories of real veterans who've overcome a variety of challenges, through the help of DAV, and achieved personal victories, great and small, for themselves and their families.