DAV (Disabled American Veteran) has named U.S. Navy veteran John Markiewicz of Jacksonville, Florida, as the 2019 DAV George H. Seal Memorial Trophy recipient. DAV National Commander Dennis Nixon will present the award at the organization’s 98th National Convention Aug. 3 in Orlando, Florida.

Each year, the prestigious George H. Seal Memorial Trophy honors one DAV and DAV Auxiliary member who have gone above and beyond in their service through the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Program.

“It is an honor to present this award to John,” said Nixon. “His commitment to and advocacy for his fellow veterans is an inspiration, and he has brought comfort, compassion and—most importantly—friendship to so many patients throughout his years of volunteer service.”

Markiewicz is currently serving as the judge advocate for the DAV Department of Florida, where he is also the past commander. He is also the National Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services Representative and the Hospital Transportation Services Coordinator for the VA Medical Center in Lake City, Florida. Markiewicz has been volunteering with DAV and the VA for 17 years, providing more than 2,600 hours of his time to serving veterans in and around the North Florida area.

Markiewicz spends time coordinating DAV-sponsored functions several times a week. He has also been instrumental in recruiting additional volunteers to assist with activities to improve veterans’ care and quality of life. He facilitates activities for veterans at the medical center, and supports a myriad of programs, including recreation therapy, voluntary service and hospice care.

“Mr. Markiewicz is quick to provide his assistance to the veterans and the staff at the VA Medical Center,” added Nixon. “His leadership knows they can count on him to assist with anything they need, as well as depend on him to be a friend to all of his fellow veterans.”

After recognizing the need, Markiewicz reached out and recruited more volunteers, including crossing the state line into Georgia. He takes it upon himself to listen to the needs of the veterans—and the volunteers—and works hard to implement progress.

Photos and media may be made available upon request.

 

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.