I am truly honored to accept the role of national legislative director, furthering my life’s dedication to serving veterans and their families. My experience with DAV has been invaluable, and I’m grateful to have learned and grown alongside so many committed colleagues.

When my career with DAV began as a national service officer trainee back in 2003 in St. Paul, Minnesota, I never envisioned leaving the Gopher State. But in 2017, I accepted an appointment at DAV Washington Headquarters as assistant national service director, supporting the oversight of professional national service officers and transition service officers nationwide.

In 2022, I transitioned into legislative advocacy, joining DAV’s legislative team and working to shape policies that make a meaningful impact on the lives of veterans and their families. Over the last few years, I have had the privilege of learning from one of our organization’s most dedicated advocates, my predecessor Joy Ilem. In the last decade, thanks to my fellow Army veteran’s leadership, we were able to get monumental victories for veterans passed into law, including the VA MISSION Act, Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, Deborah Sampson Act and PACT Act.

To say I have my work cut out for me would be an understatement. However, I would not be in the position I am without her mentorship and guidance as a leader. I want to personally thank Joy for her commitment to the veteran community and wish her the best in retirement.

Before joining DAV, I served in the Army infantry and Army National Guard. I pursued my dream of a career in the Army until a debilitating neck and spine injury led to my medical retirement in 1999. I felt my journey of service was over. A few years later, however, joining DAV as a young service officer allowed me to rediscover the meaning of service by helping veterans and their families obtain their earned benefits.

To be a DAV leader is to occupy a position of sacred trust. It is a vocation built on empathy, meticulous diligence and an unshakeable commitment to the principle that no veteran should ever have to fight alone for what they have already earned through sacrifice.

The future of DAV’s legislative advocacy will be defined by its sustained, aggressive defense of earned benefits and a proactive push to close the remaining gaps in health care and compensation for disabled veterans of all eras. Our legislative agenda remains a grassroots-driven mission, prioritized by the real-world needs of disabled veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors. With your help, we will continue making a difference in their lives.