Anyone who has ever served is a joiner. When our nation asked us to step forward and defend our nation, we stood up. In doing so, we became part of something greater than ourselves. We were young and strong and, for a time, felt invincible. We were ready to fight—no matter what the consequences might be.

In our hearts, each of us still wants to be on the team. At some level, we all want to be in the fight. We want to give back.

When someone becomes a part of the DAV, they signal their willingness to stand up for their fellow veterans and their families. They become a part of an exclusive community that safeguards the benefits we’ve earned through our service.

In addition to the hundreds of thousands of veterans we serve annually, the 1.2 million members of the DAV present a united front before Congress on the issues that impact our fellow veterans and their families.

The DAV has taken the lead on every major issue that impacts veterans today. The DAV-funded “Forgotten Warrior Project” led directly to the recognition of post-traumatic stress disorder by the American Psychological Association. DAV outreach centers were the forbearers of the VA’s Vet Center program that connects so many veterans with the care and resources they need to improve the quality of lives of impacted veterans and their families.

In addition to the more obvious physical wounds that affect veterans, the DAV continues the fight to ensure veterans who suffered from exposures such as Agent Orange, Gulf War Syndrome and burn-pit emissions get the care and benefits they need to lead meaningful lives.

When veterans join the DAV, they add their voices to our fight for all veterans whose service and sacrifices deserve our respect and honor. They become a part of our mission to ensure our nation lives up to the promise we’ve made to our defenders of freedom.

There are obvious and tangible benefits for those who join. There are member benefits that provide discounts for products and services. There is a subscription to DAV Magazine to keep members informed on the issues that impact our community.

But the true value of membership is the knowledge that you are part of an important and critical cause.

It’s the reason we continue to maintain and expand upon our services and advance our legislative efforts on behalf of us all. Thank you for your membership and thank you for all you do to make the DAV the successful organization we continue to be. Your recruitment of new members to join our cause is the key to our continued success.