The Seal Awards are conferred each year in memory of George H. Seal, who was DAV’s Director of Voluntary Services and a leading organizer and administrator of the VA Voluntary Services program from 1952 until his death in 1977. The presentations were made at the 95th National Convention, held July 31–Aug. 3 in Atlanta.

DAV Recipient - Horace Scott Jr.
DAV Recipient – Horace Scott Jr.

When Horace Scott Jr. Exited the Navy in 1963, it did not represent the end of his service. He continued to dedicate his time, leadership and energy for over a quarter of a century to the VA Connecticut Healthcare System as a volunteer.

Scott, a life member of DAV Chapter 12 in Hartford, Conn., took his first turn as a volunteer driver 26 years ago and never slowed down on his way to accumulating over 24,000 volunteer hours.

“Horace accepts any assignment given without question or hesitation,” said Mark Frazee, chief of voluntary service at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. “His attitude toward the assignment is one of enthusiasm and care. His attitude is infectious, often helping us to gain more volunteers based on their experiences with him. He is a tremendous asset, and I truly wish there were more like him in this world.”

“I could not be prouder of our George H. Seal Award recipients,” said National Commander Moses A. McIntosh Jr. “They are selfless, dedicated people who are very deserving of this award. It is a small way for us to thank them for all that they have done and all that they continue to do. DAV is blessed to have a fleet of outstanding volunteers. People like Horace throughout the country are honoring the sacrifices of veterans in meaningful ways, and they deserve our utmost praise and respect.

Auxiliary Recipient - Jeannie Kyle
Auxiliary Recipient – Jeannie Kyle

Jeannie Kyle is renowned among her fellow volunteers as a thoughtful, caring and passionate volunteer at the VA medical center in Spokane, Wash.

Kyle began her distinguished DAV Auxiliary adventure in 1987, first volunteering at the DAV “Forget Me Not” donation table. It was then she found her life’s passion: interacting with an organization that supports our nation’s veterans. A quarter-century of service later, she hasn’t looked back.

“I couldn’t do the job I do without her,” said Thomas Marshall, chief of voluntary service at the Spokane VAMC.

“Jeannie’s impact on the DAV program is unmatchable; she carries the weight of a tough job for anyone to handle.”

Kyle was actively involved in her unit’s community service projects, such as providing food baskets for needy families and hosting events for Auxiliary members’ children. For many years, she also helped cook and serve at the unit’s monthly veteran luncheons.

Kyle has been the Hospital Service Coordinator at the Spokane VAMC for the past 11 years and has amassed more than 13,000 volunteer hours.

With a husband, brother and stepson who are veterans, Kyle stays extremely motivated in her work and makes sure veterans receive the support DAV and the Auxiliary offer.

“Jeannie is the kind of person who people know they can count on and who seems to derive her energy by helping people. When new challenges and opportunities are presenting themselves, she goes above and beyond the call of duty,” said Auxiliary National Commander Linda Stake. “She has not only taken on a role of great responsibility that veterans count on but, for over a decade, has performed this role brilliantly, and we thank her for all that she has done in representing our cause.”