One for the record books

Riley makes history with election as National Commander, President Obama delivers special address to convention

This year’s DAV and DAV Auxiliary National Convention in Atlanta saw record-setting attendance and featured an impeccable lineup including appearances from actors Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn; musical entertainment by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band and Lee Greenwood; forums with the Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Secretary of Veterans Affairs and VA Undersecretary for Health as well as the final major address to the veterans’ community by the President of the United States.

“This year, we had 2,781 members and supporters attend our National Convention,” said National Membership Director Douglas K. Wells Jr. “That’s a record and clearly shows that DAV’s members and supporters are some of the most dedicated veterans’ advocates our great nation has.”

Beyond the record-setting attendance, there was another notable first.

In accepting the nomination as DAV’s new National Commander, Army veteran and medically retired Coast Guard rescue swimmer David W. Riley, of Alabama, became the first quadruple amputee and the first Coast Guard veteran to assume the organization’s highest post.

During his acceptance speech, Riley laid out his priorities to ensure DAV continues providing a lifetime of support to veterans and their families. His main concerns, he said, include safeguarding veterans’ care and benefits, assisting veterans in finding meaningful employment and continuing efforts to provide fair, equal treatment for caregivers and women veterans.

“We must continue to use the voices of our 1.3 million members to plainly tell lawmakers that we expect them to fully fund the VA to provide health care and benefits veterans have earned,” Riley said. “When our nation’s bravest return changed from military service, DAV is here to help shoulder the load.”

Other national officers elected by convention delegates were Senior Vice Commander Delphine Metcalf-Foster, 1st Junior Vice Commander Dennis Nixon, 2nd Junior Vice Commander Stephen “Butch” Whitehead, 3rd Junior Vice Commander Donald Day and 4th Junior Vice Commander Andrew Marshall. Delegates also re-elected Michael Dobmeier as National Judge Advocate and Michael Dover as National Chaplain.

Additionally, the DAV Auxiliary elected Frances J. Costa, of Massachusetts, as its National Commander. The other Auxiliary national officers elected were Senior Vice Commander Craig Johniken, 1st Junior Vice Commander Ellen Timmerman, 2nd Junior Vice Commander Diane Franz, 3rd Junior Vice Commander Lynn Prosser, 4th Junior Vice Commander Dorothy Reese, National Judge Advocate Donna Adams and National Chaplain Aura-Lee Nicodemus.

Costa stepped in on behalf of National Commander Linda Stake, who passed away just days before the convention began.

“Last year, Linda said her vision for the DAV Auxiliary was to make a concentrated effort to keep the spotlight on military families and caregivers,” Costa said. “No one knows better than those of us in this room that service members do not deploy in harm’s way alone.”

She then affirmed her own commitment to the Auxiliary and promised to lead with the same passion and dedication as her predecessor.

As part of his report to the convention, outgoing National Commander Moses A. McIntosh Jr. reminisced on working alongside DAV members during Operation: Keep the Promise at this year’s Mid-Winter Conference in February. He noted the tremendous work done by members and supporters on behalf of caregivers and women veterans during his time leading the organization.

“Thanks to you, DAV has a lot to be proud of. But there is still much more work to do,” said McIntosh. “It is incumbent on each of us to ensure DAV continues the mission and remains the thought leader on Capitol Hill.”

McIntosh also commended the efforts of those in the field working each day to ensure veterans receive their earned benefits. He took time during his remarks to praise the efforts of DAV’s Chapter, Department, Transition and National Service Officers, as well as the Chapter and Department leaders, DAV Transportation Network drivers and all of DAV volunteers.

“It has been my most profound honor and privilege to serve as your National Commander. Thank you for placing this trust in me,” he said. “In my mind, there is no finer group of men and women in our nation than our veterans and their families.”

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald also delivered remarks to DAV members during the joint opening session. The secretary spoke about his work at the VA and the important role played by veterans’ service organizations like DAV.

“I need to hear what you have to say. I want to use your ideas in transforming the VA. I need to know how VA looks from your perspective,” McDonald said.

The secretary went on to tell DAV members that the VA transformation that began two years ago is well underway, and results are already being seen through the department’s MyVA initiative.

“Last year, veterans had nearly 5 million more appointments than the previous year,” McDonald explained. “Almost 57 million were in VA facilities, and over 21 million were VA care in community.”

The following day, Washington Headquarters Executive Director Garry Augustine presented his annual report to distinguished guests and delegates at DAV’s first business session of the convention. He recognized the huge strides DAV has made over the last year to improve services for veterans with the strength and tenacity of the Service Department and to ensure veterans’ voices are heard on Capitol Hill through the hard work of the legislative staff.

“We will not rest until all veterans receive the benefits they have earned through their service,” said Augustine.

Augustine reported that in more than 100 offices across the country, DAV provided representation for well over 300,000 claims in the last year alone.

“To put it simply,” he said, “when it comes to helping veterans get their benefits, no one does more than DAV.”

Additional legislative priorities and milestones Augustine acknowledged included forward strides to help pass a comprehensive caregiver support program. Currently, the program is limited to caregivers of veterans injured on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Augustine told attendees that the Senate VA Committee passed the Veterans First Act that would phase in full caregiver assistance benefits for veterans of all eras.

“While the current program has helped thousands of families,” Augustine said, “all caregivers deserve the same support, regardless of when their loved ones served.”

According to Augustine, the most critical veterans’ issue being debated in Congress today involves the future of the VA health care system.

“There are still hurdles and unforeseen obstacles to overcome—including political uncertainty over the upcoming elections,” he said. “However, I am fully confident that with the strength and resolve of our members and Auxiliary behind us, we can, we must and we will continue to fulfill our promises to all the men and women who served.”

National Headquarters Executive Director Barry Jesinoski highlighted the accomplishments of the national staff in Cold Spring, Ky. He started with lauding DAV’s Employment Department for hosting 71 job fairs in 2015. He added they’ve also partnered with Veteran Recruiting to expand into virtual fairs that will enable veterans who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend face-to-face job fairs in person.

“We’ve challenged our nation’s employers to hire 10,000 service-connected disabled veterans,” Jesinoski told attendees. “In just over two years of existence, DAV’s Employment Department has become an absolute force in terms of connecting veterans with employers.”

Jesinoski went on to announce that DAV’s membership ranks have grown to include 1.3 million members across the country, a significant milestone reached by the national Membership Department.

“We should be proud of the progress we’ve made achieving 1.3 million members,” he said, “but we must  also see the value in building on that success, engaging our communities and enhancing the relationship between veterans and the American public.”

DAV remains the most prolific veterans service organization in terms of volunteerism, according to Jesinoski. He pointed out that since 1987, DAV volunteers have driven more than 642 million miles. Last year alone, volunteers donated 1.6 million hours of their time to honor the service and sacrifices of our heroes and their families.

“It’s important that each of you understand that we at national headquarters are in awe of your efforts,” he concluded. “I want everyone here to know that we are doing our utmost to honor your service to this organization and working to establish tools and resources that empower your efforts in your communities.”

Perhaps the most anticipated event came that afternoon when President Barack Obama delivered his final major address as President to a major veterans group. The President, who leaves office in January, made note of his previous experiences with the organization.

“I came to your convention in my first term and my second term,” he said. “So it is fitting that my final major address to our nation’s veterans, as President, is here at the DAV.”

Obama also mentioned that some of the most unforgettable experiences he’s had have been moments spent with members of DAV.

“This organization shows us—shows this nation—what it means to be strong,” he said.

The President went on to recap his Administration’s efforts in improving the lives of veterans, noting that the country has made significant progress in some key areas, while also conceding that there’s more work to be done in others.

Specifically, the President noted that the VA has hired more doctors and clinicians since the wait-time scandal and said services are reaching more veterans who live in rural areas through telemedicine. He also touted progress in extending services to female veterans.

Obama also announced that overall veteran homelessness has been cut nearly in half, by 47 percent. He credited first lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden for using their Joining Forces initiative to challenge mayors and county officials nationwide to end the epidemic.

The President lamented that there are still too many suicides among veterans and expressed the need for Congress to provide more funds for mental health care. He also said the VA claims processing backlog must be further reduced and that organizations like DAV will play an integral role in accomplishing that goal.

“Disabled American Veterans knows what it means to be one team. We draw inspiration from you. I am grateful for everything that you have done for this country. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to work with you,” he said in closing. “We honor and appreciate you. God bless our veterans and God bless the United States of America.”

As part of the convention’s evening activities, members were once again treated to the entertainment of longtime DAV friend Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band during Fun Night. A favorite among members, the band did not disappoint, filling the ballroom with their high-energy style and classic rock ‘n’ roll music selections.

The convention closed with a surprise performance by Grammy Award-winning country music artist Lee Greenwood, who performed his famous “God Bless the USA” after DAV’s newest national leaders were introduced. The appearance marked the official beginning of a new partnership with Greenwood that will help DAV expand awareness of its services and generate support for the organization’s mission.

The 96th DAV and Auxiliary National Convention will convene July 29–Aug. 1, 2017, at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in New Orleans.