July 23, 2010

WASHINGTON—The Disabled American Veterans will once again convene its national body to address the needs of disabled veterans, including those who have served and sacrificed in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere when the organization meets at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta for its 89th National Convention July 31 through Aug. 3.

President Barack Obama is scheduled to deliver a major speech to more than 3,000 DAV delegates and guests the morning of Aug. 2.

The DAV is marking its 90th year of service by reviewing important legislative initiatives aimed at building better lives for disabled veterans and their families. The major issues to be addressed by the Convention include the need to eliminate lengthy delays veterans encounter when submitting disability claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the need to improve mental health care for the psychologically wounded and their families.

Deputy Secretary Department of Veterans Affairs W. Scott Gould is scheduled to address the convention delegates July 31.

“We look forward to hearing from the Administration on the issues disabled veterans now face,” said DAV National Commander Roberto Barrera. “We know VA realizes its claims process is grossly outdated and inadequate to properly ensure that veterans receive the help and care they have earned through service to our nation, so it is important to hear how its mission to reform the process is progressing.”

Also scheduled to appear at the convention is renowned actor, musician and veterans advocate Gary Sinise, who along with the Lt. Dan Band will play a special show for DAV members and guests Aug. 1.

A distinctive moment will be the presentation of the DAV’s Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year Award to Dave Riley, whose remarkable accomplishments in service to veterans advances the causes of America’s disabled veterans.

The 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans, a non-profit organization founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932, represents this nation’s wartime disabled veterans. It is dedicated to a single purpose: building better lives for our nation’s disabled veterans and their families. For more information, visit the organization’s Web site www.dav.org.

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