Air Force veteran Tom Jacobus piloted the OV-10 Bronco during the Vietnam War. Reflecting on generations of veterans who have suffered and sacrificed, Tom was moved to donate to DAV from his IRA.

Air Force veteran Tom Jacobus piloted the OV-10 Bronco, a twin-turboprop light attack and observation aircraft, during the Vietnam War.

“I flew top cover for what they called the ‘ranch hands’—the C-123s that sprayed Agent Orange,” said Tom.

Later in life, Tom discovered he had service-connected prostate cancer and began receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Yet he counts himself fortunate, knowing so many of his fellow veterans have been significantly affected by other devices of war.

“Particularly, I’m talking about the later wars where they used [improvised explosive devices],” he said. “I think about just how lucky I was. So many people gave so much, and they continue to give every day just by being disabled. It moves me, what they gave up.”

Tom was so moved that he decided to support his fellow veterans by giving a contribution from his retirement account to DAV.

“I try to check out various charities online, and DAV had a good reputation,” said Tom.

“I do very much have a tremendous amount of respect for all the veterans that served and put their life on the line for the country. And if I can give back to them, that’s where I want it to go.”

Contributing to DAV through your individual retirement account (IRA) is one great way to give, benefiting our veterans as well as the donor. If you are 70 ½ years or older, you may make a gift of up to $100,000 from your qualified IRA.

“It’s the most efficient way to give to a charity of your choice and the most tax-friendly way to do it,” said Tom. “You can give the entire amount without having any tax consequences as far as income reported to the government.”

 

For more information about giving to DAV