March 1, 2010



When National Commander Bobby Barrera speaks, people listen. For decades, he’s been one of the most sought-after orators in the history of the organization. And it’s not because he was part of an historic event when he was saved from a burning vehicle by famed sniper Carlos Hathcock when they were both injured in Vietnam. It’s not his Presidential Unsung Hero Award for 1998, his federal career or Department of Defense Outstanding Employee with a Disability Award in 1997.

It’s not because of the severity of his disabilities but the size of his heart and the inspiration he shows as a leader.

On March 2, the Commander will make one of the most important presentations of his life as a veterans advocate. He will address a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees in the Canon House Office Building on Capitol Hill.

The DAV will be there in force as the occasion marks the highlight of our Mid-Winter Conference. Commander Barrera will lay out our legislative agenda and represent all of our nation’s disabled veterans and their families before lawmakers.

The DAV Mid-Winter Conference is one of the premiere annual destinations for leaders and veterans who want to know the latest and greatest information about the issues we face. Veterans who attend this important event also have the opportunity to promote veterans issues with their representatives in Washington.

In addition to everything conference attendees learn and do to serve our cause, the event offers the opportunity for us to meet face-to-face and share information. It’s a chance to make contacts, meet old friends, mentor and learn from the top minds in the veterans service movement.

Those of us who can’t be there in person should be there in spirit, and we should all be cheering for our National Commander when he takes center stage.

The meeting will be held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va., Feb. 28 to Mar. 3. Special rates for attendees start at $189 for single/double occupancy. Identify yourself as a member and make reservations by calling (703) 920-3230.

Visit www.dav.org for more information on the Commander’s testimony and event coverage.