In August 2022, Blue Skies for the Good Guys and Gals held its 10th annual Warrior Weekend to Remember. The event provides enriching and healing experiences for disabled veterans and Gold Star Families and is supported by a grant from the DAV Charitable Service Trust. This year’s event marked the first time Army veteran and DAV Ambassador Ce-Ce Mazyck jumped from a plane since a 2003 training accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. She also made a second jump at the event.
Dick Marbes
DAV Past National Commander and Trust President Dick Marbes lent Mazyck moral support from the co-pilot seat, but the disabled Air Force veteran later returned to make his own jump.
Watch Mazyck’s emotional jump and watch Marbes’ jump below.
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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.
When veterans succeed, organizations succeed. ENSCO, Inc. has built a culture where military experience is valued through mentorship, career development, workplace accommodations and a commitment to hiring veteran talent. Congratulations to DAV's 2026 Midsize Employer of the Year. Read more: dav.la/4jz1ron...
The “Wounded Veteran Tax" leaves many combat-injured veterans unable to receive their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation.
The Major Richard Star Act would help correct this injustice for eligible veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits they earned through their service and sacrifice.
Watch the full episode of #DAVPodcast to learn why this legislation matters and why DAV continues fighting for its passage ➡️ dav.la/4zaRUsY. ...
On Oct. 23, 1983, a suicide truck bomber attacked the Battalion Landing Team headquarters in Beirut, killing 220 Marines, 18 sailors and 3 soldiers. Marine veteran and DAV member Keith “EZ” Ezell was among the survivors of the peacekeeping mission in Beirut.
Later in life, though, he would face an invisible foe lurking within his own body. An aggressive form of bladder cancer had been waging a secret war against him.
In his time of need, Ezell was able to turn to a fellow Marine veteran of Beirut and DAV benefits advocate Don Inns.
Read the full story, “Beirut veterans continue struggle after 40 years,” at the link in the comments. ...
Sometimes, the difference between a veteran receiving the benefits they’ve earned and going without them starts with someone who takes the time to listen.
When a morning walk brought Marty Patterson into contact with Vietnam veteran Stephen Jameson, it set in motion a chain of events that would change Jameson’s life—and bring his family much-needed peace of mind.
DAV benefits advocate Kirk Patterson discovered that Jameson’s record didn’t reflect the full extent of his combat wounds and toxic exposure. He helped file new claims, ultimately securing benefits that eased the burden on Jameson’s daughter and caregiver, Erin.
It’s a powerful reminder of why DAV’s work matters. Every veteran deserves the benefits they’ve earned, and no veteran or family should have to navigate the process alone.
