DAV is disheartened to learn of the 1.8% increase in veteran suicides from 2020 to 2021 after seeing a drop each of the two years prior. Particularly alarming is that the suicide rate among women veterans jumped 24.1%—far greater than the 6.3% increase among male veterans. Equally distressing is that firearms were used by women more often than all other methods combined, and the rate of women veterans dying by firearm suicide was nearly three times higher than for non-veteran women. These grim statistics should not only serve as a wakeup call for the need to pay equal attention to the risk of firearm suicide for women veterans as we do for men, but they also underscore the need for incorporation of VA lethal means safety counseling and strengthening of safe storage programming, especially during periods of crisis.
VA mental health care cannot be the only part of the answer on how to end veteran suicide. We must work together in an all-of-nation effort with community-based and clinically-based prevention strategies to end this tragic epidemic. Our nation’s veterans and their families deserve nothing less.
Nancy G. Espinosa DAV National Commander
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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.
DAV Patriot Boot Camp Director Matt Feldhaus attended the Military Influencer Conference (MIC) this past week in Tampa, Florida!
While there, Matt had the chance to connect with leaders and organizations across the military and veteran community, catch up with some of our friends at Regiment, and hear from an incredible lineup of panelists, including Chef Robert Irvine.
MIC provided a great opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas and learn from others who are making an impact in the military and veteran community. We’re grateful for the connections made and conversations shared! ...
The latest issue of the #DAVMagazine is now available, featuring stories about the people, programs and advocacy efforts making a difference for veterans and their families.
Inside this issue:
• A Purple Heart Vietnam veteran finally receives the benefits he earned • New legislation addressing the Edgewood Arsenal human experiments • How recreation therapy helped a paralyzed veteran restore hope • A message from DAV’s new National Commander • Information on The Dental Care for Veterans Act • The supportive community behind DAV Patriot Boot Camp • Highlights from the 2026 DAV & Auxiliary National Convention • Part 2 of our look at 250 years of the American veteran • The caregivers whose love inspires everything they do
Read the September/October issue of DAV Magazine: dav.la/3qi. ...
Today, DAV celebrates 106 years of serving America's veterans.
Founded on Sept. 25, 1920, in the aftermath of World War I, DAV was created by wounded and disabled veterans who believed no one should have to fight alone after returning home. They came together to advocate for the benefits they had earned, support one another and ensure future generations of veterans would have someone in their corner.
More than a century later, that mission remains as important as ever. Thanks to the dedication of our members, volunteers, supporters and partners, DAV continues to provide a lifetime of support to veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.
As we celebrate 106 years of service and advocacy, we'd love to hear from you. What does DAV mean to you? Let us know in the comments! ...
If you're registered for the DAV 5K, there's no reason to wait until race day to get in the spirit.
Follow the official DAV 5K - Run to Honor Veterans account for race-day updates, participant highlights, fundraising tips, important reminders and more. Once you’re following the race page, tag us in your posts and use #DAV5K so our community can cheer you on! ...
