Army veteran CeCe Mazyck (left) speaking with one of the Thank You Booth participants.

The importance of thanking a veteran for their service is something DAV does not take lightly. Taking a moment to recognize someone’s sacrifice may seem small, but those few words can carry great meaning and make a big impact.

DAV decided to take those small moments of gratitude a step further with the DAV Thank You Booth. Set inside a mall in Oklahoma, the booth consisted simply of a chair and a camera. A DAV representative invited shoppers passing by to step inside and record a message thanking America’s veterans.

“I can’t even think of the words to say of how grateful I am,” one shopper shared. Another added, “I just want to tell you guys how much you’re appreciated.”

When shoppers stepped out of the booth, they were met with a surprise. Waiting outside were Army veteran CeCe Mazyck and Coast Guard veteran Dave Riley. Both veterans know firsthand how important words of support can be. Mazyck and Riley both experienced the challenges that can come with transitioning out of the military and living with life-changing injuries.

Mazyck damaged her spinal cord while serving in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, during a training parachute jump, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. Riley, while on active duty in the Coast Guard in Mobile, Alabama, contracted septic shock pneumococcus sepsis caused by bacteria he likely encountered in waters while he was serving as a rescue swimmer. He spent three months in the hospital and ultimately lost all four limbs and several internal organs due to the infection.

Despite these life-altering events, Mazyck and Riley’s spirits remained strong, and both found support through DAV.

“DAV gave me the push I needed to live life outside of my comfort zone, which is where life truly begins,” Mazyck shared.

For both veterans, the experience with the Thank You Booth was about more than hearing words of appreciation. They wanted to give something back. As shoppers stepped out of the booth, many were overwhelmed by the chance to thank Mazyck and Riley face to face.

But for Mazyck, the moment was just as meaningful because it gave her the chance to thank them in return.

“It was emotional—for me and for the people we were able to thank,” she said. “It was an honor to serve my country, and it’s a great honor to thank people who are doing so much to support veterans through DAV.”

Riley shared a similar perspective as he met the people who had stepped into the booth to express their gratitude.

“When a lot of people see me, they have a hard time getting beyond the fact that I lost my limbs while serving my country,” Riley said. “But when they realized we were there to thank them for supporting us, their reactions were incredible. I sincerely appreciate our supporters and was grateful for the opportunity to meet the authentically patriotic Americans who make DAV’s mission possible.”

According to DAV’s Chief Communications and Outreach Officer Dan Clare, who helped lead the experience, the reactions captured exactly what the Thank You Booth was meant to highlight.

“People were a little surprised to be thanked by veterans who had sacrificed tremendously for our nation, but it shows the gratitude we (as veterans) have for generous Americans who support us and the programs that give us our lives back after service,” Clare said.

Moments like these serve as a reminder that the relationship between veterans and their supporters runs both ways. While Americans often thank veterans for their service, veterans themselves carry deep appreciation for the individuals who help make their recovery and independence possible.

Through the generosity of supporters across the country, DAV is able to provide life-changing programs and services, all at no cost to veterans and their families. For veterans like Mazyck and Riley, the Thank You Booth offered a chance to share a simple but meaningful message with the people who help make that mission possible: thank you.

You can join other authentically patriotic Americans in saying “thank you” by being a part of DAV’s Honor Guard. The Honor Guard is a special group of dedicated donors who answer the call to provide sustained support month after month, to support veterans like Mazyck and Riley. Through your support, DAV can ensure no veteran is left behind.

Become a monthly supporter of DAV by visiting dav.org/thankyou or call 888-237-7600.