More than 300 members of the DAV Auxiliary—representing 36 states—convened in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Sept. 25–27 for the 2025 DAV Auxiliary Fall Conference.

This three-day event wasn’t just a meeting; it brought together leadership and dedicated volunteers from across the country to chart next year’s course for supporting disabled veterans and their families.

The Auxiliary was reminded of the organization’s vital role as a compassionate and unwavering partner to DAV when special guest speaker National Commander Coleman Nee told members that they are the “heart and soul” of the Auxiliary.

A significant focus of the address was on the critical issue of caregiving. Nee emphasized that the sacrifices of disabled veterans are shared, highlighting veteran caregivers as “unsung heroes” and the bedrock of support. “You are our partners in every sense of the word,” said Nee. “You carry our mission forward with compassion, grace and unwavering commitment.”

The Auxiliary’s support of DAV Caregivers Support, as well as its own grassroots efforts on behalf of caregivers, was specifically lauded for its range of programs and services that help lighten the load for these individuals, aligning with DAV’s own support structures and showing a heartfelt commitment to ensuring caregivers get the resources, financial assistance and emotional support they deserve. This united front between DAV and the Auxiliary is seen as essential to making sure no caregiver takes this demanding journey alone.

The fall conference served as a crucial tactical checkpoint following the larger DAV and Auxiliary national convention in August. That convention, held this year in Las Vegas, was where the foundation was laid, culminating in the election of new leadership, including Auxiliary National Commander Melissa Pierce, and the passing of significant resolutions that set the legislative agenda.

The energy in Lawrenceburg was electric; attendees quickly converted that momentum into action. The conversation moved decisively from strategy to specific, actionable goals, clarifying exactly where Auxiliary resources must be focused for the remainder of the year and into the next.

“This fall conference was all about turning our strategy into concrete action,” said Pierce. “We took the momentum from our national convention and used it to define next steps. We’re ensuring every Auxiliary resource is focused where it matters most: delivering tangible results and support to our disabled veterans and their families in the year ahead.”

Amid a sea of dedicated faces at the DAV Auxiliary 2025 Fall Conference, the organization proudly welcomed 44 new attendees this year. Their presence strengthens the Auxiliary’s commitment to supporting our nation’s veterans and their families. Top right: DAV National Commander Coleman Nee and DAV Auxiliary National Commander Melissa Pierce. Middle left: DAV Auxiliary National Adjutant Bunny Clos officially kicked off the event. Bottom (left to right): Nee stands with DAV Washington Headquarters Executive Director Randy Reese; Auxiliary Junior members hold a unique blanket they designed to be sold in the Auxiliary store; and Ron Minter, DAV’s national caregiver support program director, was on hand to give an update on DAV Caregivers Support.