DAV to launch month-long volunteer challenge encouraging veterans, public to ‘pay it forward’

This coming March, DAV will host the Forward March campaign—a volunteer initiative aimed at encouraging all those who have received DAV’s assistance or who have benefited from their sacrifices to “pay it forward” by giving one hour of service through DAV’s Local Veterans Assistance Program (LVAP).

“We know a lot of veterans we’ve helped want to give back, but they might not know how,” said DAV National Director of Voluntary Services John Kleindienst. “Through this initiative, the options for volunteers to provide direct assistance to veterans and their families are virtually limitless—you can perform yard work, help run errands, set up a computer system, clean out the gutters, shovel snow from a sidewalk, assist with cooking or cleaning— any task that helps improve a veteran’s life.”

DAV created the LVAP initiative to enable volunteers to perform service work that meets the unique needs of the veterans in their communities. Forward March will encourage people to support veterans through the program and to encourage others to participate through their social networks. Participating volunteers will receive incentive awards for their participation. All Forward March volunteers will receive a thank you gift from DAV upon the submission of their LVAP form.

“One of our goals with the Forward March campaign is to make it easier than ever to get involved and volunteer, linking volunteers to LVAP opportunities and inspiring individuals to create their own opportunities based on the unique needs of the veterans in their communities,” said DAV National Headquarters Executive Director Barry Jesinoski.

For Forward March participants, reporting volunteer hours is key to ensuring service work does not go unnoticed and that volunteers get the credit they deserve.

Please send all LVAP Information Forms (Form 21) and LVAP Report Forms (Form 60) to DAV National Headquarters, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076 ATTN: VS Service by mail, email to [email protected], or fax to 859-442-2088.

“One hour is very manageable for most people and when we all give a little, it pays off big for veterans,” said DAV National Commander Dave Riley. “If you have ever received assistance from DAV or recognize the freedom and prosperity we enjoy through the sacrifices of those who’ve served, now is the time to help — now is the time to Forward March.”

If you or anyone you know would like to learn more about DAV’s Local Veterans Assistance Program and other volunteer opportunities visit https://www.dav.org/help-dav/volunteer/volunteer-locally-help-the-va/ and stay tuned for more on DAV’s Forward March campaign.