ERLANGER, Ky. – DAV (Disabled American Veterans) has named John Makas of St. Petersburg, Florida, as its 2024 DAV Volunteer of the Year. Makas will be formally recognized Aug. 3 during the 2024 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention in Phoenix.

Members who donate significant time through either the Local Volunteer Assistance Program (LVAP) or the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) program are eligible for the award.

Over the past 15 years, Makas has logged nearly 5,900 volunteer hours working to improve the lives of veterans. As a DAV Department of Florida benefits advocate, he uses his time to advocate for veterans to receive the benefits they earned through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“John is an extremely dedicated member who clearly goes out of his way to assist veterans and their families,” said Brenda Reed, DAV Department of Florida commander. “He’s well known at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center, where he volunteers four to five days per week. He fights tirelessly to demystify the benefits process and ensure those who served achieve justice for the sacrifices they made in uniform.”

Reed said it’s not uncommon for Makas to stay late helping with benefits claims if veterans are still in the waiting area of his office, seeing 15–20 veterans a day. He’s also volunteered his time delivering donated wheelchairs and other medical devices to veterans in need, assisting veterans’ widows with yard work and helping others with home repairs.

“John’s compassion for veterans is evident in how he goes out of his way to make sure they’re taken care of,” said DAV National Commander Nancy Espinosa. “If he sees a veteran or family member in need, he finds a way to help every time.”

In addition to his role as a department benefits advocate, Makas is the commander of DAV Chapter 4 in New Port Richey, Florida, and a member of DAV Auxiliary Unit 18 in Bradenton, Florida.

Makas will receive the George H. Seal Memorial Trophy in honor of the World War II combat-injured paratrooper who made significant contributions during his career as DAV’s national VAVS representative and as a member of the VAVS National Advisory Committee.

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.