DAV’s annual Midwinter Conference is just around the corner, with the Commanders & Adjutants Association opening business session kicking off Sunday morning, Feb. 26 at 9 a.m. at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va. From Sunday to Wednesday, Mar. 1, DAV advocates will meet to discuss veteran issues and legislative priorities with members of Congress and their staffs.

On Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m., National Commander Dave Riley will testify before a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees. After his testimony, committee members will have the opportunity to ask DAV leadership about what issues are most important to ill and injured veterans and their families.

“We want to take full advantage of this opportunity to ensure Congress is aware of our legislative priorities and what we want the Committees to focus on in the coming year,” said National Legislative Director Joy Ilem. “Commander Riley and all of us who will sit on the panel are determined we get our message across to the veterans’ affairs committees of the 115th Congress.”

A number of business sessions and workshops will be held during the conference to update and educate attendees on a number of DAV activities and plans, including a Benefits Protection Team workshop, a briefing on DAV employment efforts, a benefits workshop, a Voluntary Services seminar and briefings on the DAV Charitable Service Trust and National Service Foundation.  DAV members attending the conference are encouraged to set up meetings with their elected officials.

It’s not too late to participate. To find out more visit https://www.dav.org/events/2017-mid-winter-conference/.