Last year was a banner year for DAV with numerous successful events, advocacy campaigns and initiatives to support veterans—and the outlook for 2018 is even better. Here is a look at all the things coming to DAV this year and events our leaders should be following.
Mid-Winter Conference (Feb. 25-28):
DAV’s 2018 Mid-Winter Conference will be held in Washington, D.C., and gives members the opportunity to talk to their representatives in Congress about our most critical legislative issues. This year’s topics include: VA healthcare reform; caregiver support and services; women veterans; adequate funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs; and defending veterans’ earned benefits. For a complete list of policy goals, a tentative schedule of events and more details, visit: https://www.dav.org/events/2018-mid-winter-conference/.
Forward March (Mar. 1-31):
Throughout the month of March, DAV will host the Forward March campaign to encourage all those who have received DAV’s assistance to “pay it forward” by volunteering one hour of time to help local veterans. This campaign will provide ways they—and all other patriotic Americans—can lend their time to recognize the sacrifices of veterans. To learn more about the Forward March campaign, visit: https://www.dav.org/forwardmarch/ and www.volunteerforveterans.org.
Winter Sports Clinic (Apr. 1-6):
The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic is a the largest adaptive winter sporting event of its kind in the world. Put on by DAV and VA, nearly 400 veterans with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, certain neurological conditions and other injuries are expected to participate. Find out more about the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic by visiting: www.wintersportsclinic.org.
National Volunteer Week (Apr. 15-22):
National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize volunteers who devote their time and effort to their communities. Last year DAV recognized several volunteers nationally, including one who had performed more than 24,000 hours of volunteer work, another who had driven more than 186,000 miles and a student who had volunteered nearly 700 hours at his local VA hospital. Find out more about volunteer opportunities in your area by visiting: www.volunteerforveterans.org.
PTSD Awareness Month (June 1-30):
The purpose of PTSD Awareness Month is to raise public awareness of PTSD and effective treatments. Throughout the month, DAV will share social media posts and articles discussing PTSD and treatment options for veterans who are suffering from its effects. It is important for our members to help spread the word about PTSD Awareness Month. You can find more information by visiting DAV’s PTSD resource page.
DAV & Auxiliary National Convention (July 14-17):
National convention is DAV’s most important annual meeting. This year it will be held at the beautiful Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nev. The Reno visitor’s guide, reservation forms, and award bulletins and submission deadlines are all available at: https://www.dav.org/events/2018-national-convention/.
DAV 5K (Early November):
The DAV 5K is a run, walk, roll and motorcycle ride that thanks those who served and raises awareness of the issues our ill and injured veterans face every day. This year’s race cities include Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati, Newport News, San Antonio and Tulsa. Find out more about the race series at: www.DAV5K.org.
Giving Tuesday (Nov. 28):
GivingTuesday is a day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration using the hashtag #GivingTuesday. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Members can use the power of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote donations to DAV during the giving season.