Eugene Onofrio

DAV (Disabled American Veterans) has named U.S. Army veteran Eugene Onofrio, of West Haven, Connecticut, as the 2020 DAV George H. Seal Memorial Trophy recipient. Onofrio will be formally recognized during the DAV & Auxiliary Virtual Salute program scheduled for Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. Eastern time at dav.org/virtualsalute.

Each year, the prestigious George H. Seal Memorial Trophy honors DAV’s top volunteer through the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Program.

“It’s an incredible thing to dedicate 26 years of your life to volunteer work, but that’s exactly why Mr. Onofrio deserves this award,” said DAV National Commander Stephen “Butch” Whitehead. “His commitment to his fellow veterans is an inspiration, and his upbeat and contagious attitude only makes his dedication more impactful.”

Onofrio is currently serving as the chaplain for the DAV Department of Connecticut, where he has been a member for 30 years. He has provided more than 15,000 hours of his time serving veterans in the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. He spends time assisting wherever he is the most needed, including voluntary services, recreation therapy, chaplain services and Acquisition and Material Management.

“Eugene is always willing to help on a moment’s notice,” said Mark Frazee, VAVS program manager. “The veterans always enjoy talking to him and look forward to his visits and assistance.”

Onofrio is one of the longest serving volunteers in the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and is a supportive friend to all staff, visitors and veterans with whom he interacts.

“Eugene’s example to other volunteers and his willingness to step in anytime he’s needed inspires other volunteers to do the same,” added Frazee. “He is an irreplaceable asset to the Voluntary Services Department and all areas he helps in.”

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 nonprofit organization with more than 1 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. Learn more at www.dav.org.