ERLANGER, Ky. – DAV (Disabled American Veterans) has named Marine Corps veteran Terry Hillard of Chicago its 2024 Disabled American Veteran of the Year. He will receive the award Aug. 3 at the 2024 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention in Phoenix.

Hillard enlisted in the Marines in 1964 as a machine gunner and swiftly deployed to Vietnam.

Encountering the enemy was routine, as was witnessing the injury and death of his fellow Marines. After 13 months in combat, Hillard returned home to Chicago, where a new sense of service gripped him.

Shortly after his return, he joined the Chicago Police Department and climbed the ranks. Hillard served as a patrol and undercover police officer and was the city’s 58th police superintendent—Chicago’s top cop.

The danger of Vietnam reared its head decades later as he was diagnosed with two cancers, each stemming from military toxic exposures. Since then, he has focused his efforts on connecting military veteran Chicago first responders with DAV service officers. Hillard regularly hosts meetups specifically for police, firefighters and emergency medical workers so they can learn how to gain the benefits they’ve earned.

“The credibility Terry lends as a combat Marine and police officer helps to connect hundreds of police and firefighters with our expert benefits advocates,” said DAV National Commander Nancy Espinosa. “Cancer may have been his most recent battle, but his actions of living a life of service make us immensely proud and forever grateful to have him in our ranks.”

Photos and media may be made available upon request. Interviews may be arranged.

 

About DAV:
DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: keeping our promises to the men and women who served. 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, linking veterans and their families to employment resources, and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a nonprofit organization with over 1 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932.