ERLANGER, Ky. – DAV (Disabled American Veterans) has selected Bradley Bean of Augusta, Maine, as the 2023 DAV Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialist of the Year. Bean will be formally recognized Aug. 6 during the 2023 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

A 20-year Navy veteran, Bean is a DVOP specialist for the Augusta CareerCenter under the Maine Department of Labor (MDOL). In 2022, he provided individualized career services to 110 eligible veterans and helped 48 veterans find meaningful employment. He also serves as MDOL’s liaison with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Readiness and Employment program.

“Brad’s personal commitment to veteran advocacy and employment support far exceeds expectations despite the myriad of demands and challenges,” said Leo Deon Jr., MDOL veterans program manager. “He has our team’s absolute trust with any and all tasks assigned and is most deserving of this award.”

Bean is also a member of the Main Hire-A-Vet Campaign Planning Committee, which has an annual goal of getting 100 veterans hired in 100 days with 100 employers. The 2022 campaign resulted in 186 veterans hired with an average hourly wage of more than $33.

Deon said Bean is also relied on as an instructor for his expertise in military culture and veteran hiring practices. His efforts helped the Augusta CareerCenter secure a state incentive award that led to technology improvements at the local center.

“The entire state of Maine should be proud of the national recognition Bradley has earned as an employment advocate for his fellow veterans,” said DAV National Employment Director Ryan Burgos. “He’s been extremely resourceful in helping many who served find meaningful ways to contribute to their communities and care for their families.”

 Photos and other media of the event can 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 promise to America’s veterans. 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.