National Commander Message

Daniel Contreras, Commander

Volunteer for veterans this DAV Community Impact Day

Over the last several months, I have had the privilege of meeting members and volunteers across the country as your national commander. In every interaction, hearing your stories, challenges and successes has been a source of inspiration.

The core themes of community and service continue to come up in each of those conversations, highlighting the importance of our volunteer work. Whether by helping connect veterans to their benefits, working to tackle food insecurity through food banks or distribution events, volunteering at VA hospitals, or driving a veteran to their VA medical appointments, volunteers are shining examples of the positive impact we can have on the lives of veterans daily.

Volunteers remain at the heart of the work we do, seizing opportunities to fill the gaps in the lives of veterans and their families. Wherever there is a need, there is a chance to volunteer.

To shine a much-deserved spotlight on those who donate their time, DAV’s second annual Community Impact Day will be April 5. I am hoping you can take the pledge with me and find an opportunity to volunteer to support veterans and their families on that day.

Check out Page 27 in this magazine, scan the QR code, and pledge an hour of your time. An hour may not seem like much, but together it adds up and creates a collective impact.

Last year, we had over 650 DAV volunteers across the country take the pledge and give back to veterans in their communities. This year, with your help, we’re hoping we can double the number of volunteers.

If you need some ideas for volunteering, please read the commentary on Page 26 from DAV National Voluntary Services Director John Kleindienst, or visit communityimpactday.org to learn what other departments, chapters and volunteers have planned.

This event is a great way to increase the visibility of DAV and introduce veterans, their families and others to our organization in your community. It shows that we go beyond saying “thank you for your service” and take action to empower veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.

Please help us get the word out. We look forward to hearing about and seeing all the wonderful work you do to support veterans and their families with your volunteer efforts.

If you want to find out more about the National Commander, you can find his biography here.