DAV and DAV Auxiliary work together as fierce veteran advocates

Participants at the DAV Auxiliary National Fall Conference in October were reminded of the depth of DAV’s programs and services in a celebration of unity of the shared mission of assisting veterans and their families.

More than 400 Auxiliary members gathered for a weekend in Erlanger, Kentucky, a couple of miles from DAV National Headquarters.

Auxiliary National Commander AnnMarie Hurley said she was excited to see so many new faces at their first fall conference ready to learn and connect.

“We are all here for the same reason, to care for the wounded and ill and the families who share in their continued sacrifice for our country,” Hurley said. “By working together with DAV at the national level, and locally between units and chapters, we learn daily how we can help empower veterans and their loved ones to live full and rich lives.”

National Adjutant Bunny Clos reminded everyone that communication is the key to assisting one another.

“When you have questions, use your resources,” Clos said. “A lot of the questions we get you can find in the bylaw book, the emailed newsletters, the program and procedure manual, the fall conference book or online.”

And national DAV leaders reminded the conference participants they are more than the caring hand on the shoulder of a veteran—they are irreplaceable partners.

“Through volunteerism, legislative advocacy, camaraderie and celebration, our Auxiliary is absolutely critical to fulfilling and furthering DAV’s mission,” said DAV National Commander Nancy Espinosa. “Together we make a fierce force of advocates for fighting for policies and laws that deliver benefits and care to veterans and their families that have earned them.”

Espinosa, an Auxiliary member, said her uncle Fred, a Marine veteran of World War II, introduced her family to the Auxiliary at an early age.

“Thanks to the Auxiliary, my family and countless others, including all of you in this room, have found a way to support and care for veterans in your lives and communities,” she said. “While you may not have served in uniform yourselves, you are keenly aware of what service means. You know firsthand the sacrifices required of veterans and their loved ones.”

DAV National Adjutant Barry Jesinoski, who is also an Auxiliary member, thanked Clos during the conference for inviting directors of departments to come and talk about volunteer initiatives, membership, employment and communication through social media or other methods.

DAV members and Auxiliary members share the same mission of supporting veterans and their families, Jesinoski said.

“If you’re here, you don’t really need to hear this message when it comes to supporting our Auxiliary,” he said. “When it comes to supporting our Auxiliary at all levels, we shouldn’t just be an organization where Bunny (Clos) and I get along great and our teams get along great and we work hard and work together. We need to do that at every level.”

Jesinoski highlighted the new DAV Caregivers Support initiative as an example of working closely together.

“This is not just a DAV program; this a DAV and DAV Auxiliary program,” he said.