As National Commander of DAV, a proud veteran and a former family caregiver, I am grateful for leaders in the House, Senate and the Administration coming together to enact the VA MISSION Act. This new law will not only extend support to thousands more deserving family caregivers that severely injured veterans rely on, but also make a number of reforms and improvements to strengthen the VA health care system and improve veterans’ access to care. For years, DAV has fiercely advocated for an expansion of these life-changing benefits and services that too many of our nation’s heroes were ineligible for due to an arbitrary date. My late husband Jimmy—a fellow disabled veteran—and I were unable to receive these critical caregiver benefits. But with today’s signing of the VA MISSION Act, we are now one step closer to ensuring no veteran or caregiver will be left behind again.
DAV National Commander, Army veteran and former caregiver commends the signing of VA MISSION Act into law
DAV is an organization of veterans helping veterans.
The reasons are as individual as our members. Some join for the fellowship at our more than 1,200 local chapters. Some for the inspiring national events. Others for opportunities to serve their fellow veterans and their families. And many join to continue the fight to support the rights and benefits of all veterans. DAV understands the needs of veterans because we are veterans—1 million strong. We invite you to join our cause.
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The Silver Star is the third highest combat decoration for valor. Every year on May 1, the U.S. honors and recognizes the service members who have been awarded the medal. DAV would like to give a special shout out to all of the brave men and women who have earned this award while protecting our freedoms. #SilverStarServiceBannerDay
When her eating disorder escalated during her 15 years in the Ohio Air National Guard, Amber Miskovich had to seek help through a 12-step program. Later, she turned to Save A Warrior - "SAW", a nonprofit organization that provides retreats and leverages the best interdisciplinary approaches to prevent suicide among veterans and first responders. The Veterans Health Administration estimates that as many as 14% of female and 4% of male patients have eating disorders, numbers Miskovich believes are vastly underreported due to the shame around it. Eating disorders are also linked to an increased risk for suicide.In February 2024, DAV published “Women Veterans: The Journey to Mental Wellness.” This report is a comprehensive assessment of the unique factors contributing to the staggering rates of suicide among women veterans and how the system charged with their mental health care can and must do better. Read Amber’s full story and learn more about the report and DAV’s findings at
Save the date! Registration for the 102nd DAV & Auxiliary National Convention, in Phoenix, Arizona, is expected to open on Monday, May 6. We hope you can join us for an exciting week filled with seminars, entertainment, camaraderie, and education on August 3-6, 2024. Registration, hotel info and other useful links are available at dav.org/events/2024-national-convention/.
Do you want to save BIG on taxes? If so, consider funding your next donation to DAV with stock. By making a stock donation you avoid paying capital gain taxes and get a full income tax-deduction for the value or your gift. Plus, every dollar you give will equal $179 in benefits for America’s veterans! Learn more at the link below.