ERLANGER, Ky. – DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Auxiliary has named Vickie Partridge of Yacolt, Washington, as the 2023 DAV Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year. Partridge will be formally recognized on Aug. 5 during the 2023 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Each year, the Auxiliary recognizes its top volunteer by presenting its Volunteer of the Year award in honor of the late George H. Seal, who helped shape and expand the organization’s volunteer programs. Auxiliary members who donate their time through either the Local Volunteer Assistance Program (LVAP) or the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) program are eligible for the award.
“Vickie is always the first to step up to make things better,” said Jeff McAleer, voluntary services program manager for the VA Portland Health Care System. “She is a leader, team builder, motivator and problem solver who can be relied on to pull a team of people together to get things done. Her positive attitude is infectious and uplifting to all she comes in contact with.”
McAleer said Partridge helps with making the Portland VA medical facility a more welcoming place by regularly providing drinks and snacks to mental health ward patients; delivering personal care items, reading material and birthday gift bags to veterans who are inpatients; and organizing fundraisers to support the DAV Transportation Network and its volunteer drivers. She has accumulated close to 600 lifetime volunteer hours working with the VA in the name of the DAV Auxiliary.
“Vickie represents the very best of what our organization is all about,” said Auxiliary National Commander Darlene Spence. “By volunteering her time and sharing her many gifts and talents, she is providing hope and improving veterans’ lives in her community. She is an example for others to emulate.”
Partridge is the commander of Auxiliary Unit 1 in Portland, Oregon, and is also the Auxiliary commander for the state of Oregon.
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 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.