RENO, Nev. – Elizabeth Milliken, who has spent more than 1,650 hours spanning a fifteen-year period volunteering at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, Mass., has been awarded $7,500 by DAV (Disabled American Veterans) to pursue higher education goals in elementary education.
Milliken is a recipient of the Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship, which is awarded annually to the top youth volunteers in the DAV Voluntary Services program. Named after former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jesse Brown, it honors the memory of a DAV leader dedicated to serving veterans through recognition of those who carry on his legacy of service. The scholarship is open to volunteers age 21 and younger who have contributed a minimum of 100 hours credited through DAV or DAV Auxiliary.
The scholarship will be presented to Milliken at the DAV and Auxiliary 97th National Convention July 14 in Reno, Nev.
“Elizabeth has been helping veterans for a long time,” said DAV National Voluntary Services Director John Kleindienst. “It’s clear she is a dedicated, caring person with a deep sense of duty. Whether she’s giving veterans backpacks from her VetPacks for Hope program, visiting with patients or working in a center kitchen, she is a shining example of what it means to volunteer for veterans.”
“Elizabeth’s service to veterans and her community are proof of her selflessness and generosity,” said DAV National Adjutant Marc Burgess. “Her dedication is a trait I personally admire and I believe that commitment will make her a great elementary teacher. We hope her patriotism rubs off on the future leaders she will prepare to be productive citizens.”
About DAV:
DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; providing employment resources to veterans and their families and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a non-profit organization with more than 1 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932.