Posted on Jun 3, 2020 By National Commander Stephen Whitehead
Like many Americans, the protests and civil unrest across the country this past week have given us pause to reflect upon our great nation’s promises and ideals, as well as its injustices and shortcomings. As veterans, we have sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and hold sacred the rights of all Americans whom we fought to defend during our military service. Many of our brothers and sisters-in-arms sacrificed their lives or became seriously disabled protecting the very freedoms our fellow citizens are exercising on the streets of America today, to include their rights to speak freely, peaceably assemble and petition the government as a means to redress grievances. DAV does not condone acts that exceed those rights and specifically condemns actions inciting violence, inflicting physical harm and causing damage to private and public property, such as the national World War II Memorial. We also encourage dialogue and actions that can drive the kind of meaningful, positive and lasting change that so many veterans from all backgrounds fought side-by-side to defend for past, present and future generations of Americans. In doing so, we can all help ensure the United States remains one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Find a DAV location
Contact your nearest DAV office. They will help you file a claim and stick with you all through the process, because no veteran should have to go at it alone.
DAV is an organization of veterans helping veterans.
The reasons are as individual as our members. Some join for the fellowship at our more than 1,200 local chapters. Some for the inspiring national events. Others for opportunities to serve their fellow veterans and their families. And many join to continue the fight to support the rights and benefits of all veterans. DAV understands the needs of veterans because we are veterans—1 million strong. We invite you to join our cause.
CARtober is a month dedicated to giving back to veterans to fund vital programs and services through the DAV Vehicle Donation Program. Jackie Reau’s donation is an example of how your support can go farther for veterans.
As the granddaughter of an Army veteran, Jackie Reau highly values the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes. So, when the time came to decide what to do with her mom’s old Chrysler, the DAV Vehicle Donation Program was Jackie’s first choice.
Donating the vehicle to DAV was a meaningful way to give back to veterans while paying tribute to her grandfather who served. "I chose DAV because of the incredible work they do to support veterans living with disabilities. DAV's mission speaks directly to our family values, and I know my grandfather would be proud." - Jackie Reau, DAV supporter and vehicle donor
If you have a vehicle that’s no longer being used, donating it to DAV will provide life-changing support for veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors. DAV also accepts unused vehicles of almost any kind including cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, boats and more. We make the process simple, secure and hassle-free. Plus, you may even qualify for a tax deduction.
In honor of CARtober, learn more about how you can donate a vehicle to help our nation’s veterans at the link in the comments. ...
Leave a message of encouragement for our military-connected founders heading to Cincinnati next week for DAV Patriot Boot Camp's alumni accelerator! These founders have already completed a Patriot Boot Camp cohort and are returning to build on that foundation, strengthen their businesses and connect with a community of fellow entrepreneurs.
DAV Patriot Boot Camp provides active-duty service members, veterans and their spouses with access to mentors, educational programming, and a robust community of experts and peers to help them grow impactful businesses. Learn more at patriotbootcamp.org.
We cannot wait to reunite with these founders and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next! ...
Former NFL player and founder of Athletes for CARE Robert Gallery discusses how Ibogaine changed his perspective on life and helped clear the brain fog that he was living with for years. Watch the full panel, “Ibogaine-Assisted Therapy: Hope, Evidence and the Road Ahead” - dav.la/4irqWYh. ...
The latest issue of the #DAVMagazine is now available, featuring stories about the people, programs and advocacy efforts making a difference for veterans and their families.
Inside this issue:
• A Purple Heart Vietnam veteran finally receives the benefits he earned • New legislation addressing the Edgewood Arsenal human experiments • How recreation therapy helped a paralyzed veteran restore hope • A message from DAV’s new National Commander • Information on The Dental Care for Veterans Act • The supportive community behind DAV Patriot Boot Camp • Highlights from the 2026 DAV & Auxiliary National Convention • Part 2 of our look at 250 years of the American veteran • The caregivers whose love inspires everything they do
Read the September/October issue of DAV Magazine: dav.la/3qi. ...
Like many Americans, the protests and civil unrest across the country this past week have given us pause to reflect upon our great nation’s promises and ideals, as well as its injustices and shortcomings. As veterans, we have sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and hold sacred the rights of all Americans whom we fought to defend during our military service. Many of our brothers and sisters-in-arms sacrificed their lives or became seriously disabled protecting the very freedoms our fellow citizens are exercising on the streets of America today, to include their rights to speak freely, peaceably assemble and petition the government as a means to redress grievances. DAV does not condone acts that exceed those rights and specifically condemns actions inciting violence, inflicting physical harm and causing damage to private and public property, such as the national World War II Memorial. We also encourage dialogue and actions that can drive the kind of meaningful, positive and lasting change that so many veterans from all backgrounds fought side-by-side to defend for past, present and future generations of Americans. In doing so, we can all help ensure the United States remains one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
