Matilda Brooks
Matilda Brooks

COLD SPRING, Ky.—DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Auxiliary has selected Matilda Brooks, Commander of DAV Auxiliary Unit 144 of Wappinger Falls, N.Y., as its top member for 2016.

The Past National Commander’s Award Outstanding Member of the Year recognizes Brooks’ contributions and dedication to supporting our nation’s ill and injured veterans and their families through her leadership and support of community activities.

The honor will be bestowed at the 95th DAV National Convention on Jul. 31 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta on Peachtree Street Hotel in Atlanta, Ga.

Brooks is a former firefighter and lifelong volunteer in her community. She has held every office of DAV Auxiliary leadership within her state. Currently, she serves as the state conductress, whose duties include assisting with ceremonies, unit meetings and state conventions, among others.

Brooks has contributed more than 83,000 hours over her lifetime at VA hospitals. She also served her community as a firefighter for more than 20 years. Today, she faithfully spends eight hours a day, Monday through Friday, volunteering as a DAV Transportation Network driver, a VA hospital volunteer and with clerical duties at her beloved fire department.

Brooks’ DAV Auxiliary membership is through her brother, a disabled veteran who served in Korea and Vietnam.

Her awards for service to her community include volunteer of the year at the Castle Point Campus of the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System, recognition from the Chelsea Fire Company and several certificates of merit from the mayor’s office in Wappinger Falls.

Brooks can, at any given time, be found in her community volunteering, baking, cooking, working fire or accident scenes and being an endless comfort to everyone around her, according to the DAVA State Commander of New York, Cheryl Connors.

“Matilda’s accomplishments are plainly outstanding,” said immediate past DAV Auxiliary Commander Linda Stake. “It’s a special someone who is brave enough to fight fires but tender enough to keep enriching the lives of her community’s veterans. She is truly a blessing.”