ERLANGER, Ky.—DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Auxiliary has named Delores Ann Roussey of Port Charlotte, Florida, as the 2023 DAV Auxiliary Outstanding Member of the Year. DAV National Commander Joe Parsetich and DAV Auxiliary National Commander Darlene Spence will formally recognize Roussey with the award on Aug. 5 during the 2023 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The honor recognizes Roussey’s contributions and dedication to ill and injured veterans and their families. She is eligible for Auxiliary membership through her late husband Don, a disabled Korean War Air Force veteran and her late husband William Fabregas, a World War II Army veteran.

Roussey serves as treasurer and adjutant of DAV Auxiliary Unit 101 in Nokomis, Florida and before 2015 served in the same positions for Unit 18 in Bradenton, Florida. She has served as DAV Auxiliary Department of Florida treasurer for nearly 30 years and from 1991 to 1992 served as Auxiliary state commander for Florida.

“Delores is hardworking, honest and selfless with her time, all to assist veterans and their families,” said DAV Auxiliary Department of Florida Commander Rose McGinnis. “She often works for others as she is confronted with her own difficulties. Her faith guides her, and her opinion is respected and sought after. She is my role model, friend and mentor.”

An Auxiliary member for 41 years, Roussey helps new units set up their bank accounts and guides any unit or chapter treasurer who requests assistance with learning how to navigate the annual financial report process successfully.

Roussey plays a key role in orienting volunteers so they can effectively augment healthcare for veterans through the C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Bay Pines, Florida, and James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida. She has helped distribute food to veterans and families after recent hurricanes in Florida, and she works with youth volunteers at units to visit nursing homes, bringing flowers and gifts to brighten veterans’ days.

“Delores sets a standard of excellence for all DAV Auxiliary members to follow,” said Spence. “She is a hardworking and passionate leader whose commitment to veterans and their families is unwavering. Countless units and chapter treasurers and officers have benefited from her guidance and passion for doing things the right way at all times.”

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: keeping 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, linking veterans and their families to employment resources, and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a nonprofit organization with over 1 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932.