Member News

California DAV member recognized as 2025 Unsung Hero

In February, DAV Past National Commander Delphine Metcalf-Foster was honored as an Unsung Hero for 2025 by California State Assembly member Lori Wilson. She was recognized for breaking barriers as the first woman national commander of DAV, her ongoing advocacy, mentorship and servant-leadership on behalf of her fellow veterans. Foster is a member of DAV Chapter 21 in Vallejo, California.

California chapter partners with dispensary

To raise awareness in the local community, Jose Mendoza of DAV Chapter 12, San Bernardino, California, recently partnered with Haven, a dispensary in the area to support veterans. Haven donated 60 goodie bags to honor those who served.

Texas chapter hosts women veterans event

Together with the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic, members from DAV Chapter 5 in San Antonio hosted the Women Veteran Personal Wellness Social. Attendees enjoyed a paint project, wellness activities and camaraderie with their sister vets.

Mississippi chapter rallies around local veteran after deadly tornado

When an Army veteran from the Hattiesburg, Mississippi, area lost her only child and her home to a tornado, the local veteran community stepped up to support her. Members of DAV Chapter 62 in Hattiesburg quickly organized to create a support network.

Minnesota chapter fundraises for accessible dock and kayak launch

The Detroit Lakes City Council approved the purchase of a floating dock and kayak launch for people with disabilities. Supported by DAV Chapter 31 in Lakeland, Minnesota, which raised the money for the equipment through private donations from individuals, businesses and organizations, as well as various fundraising events, the dock will be placed on Detroit Lakes City Beach. In an interview, Chapter Commander Jason Bristlin said the location was recommended because of nearby handicap parking spots. The goal is to have the dock and launch installed before the Fourth of July.

Wisconsin chapter connects with local veteran organizations for increased benefit

“I like to say that we are veterans helping veterans, whether that be veterans themselves, or a fallen veteran—if his spouse or children need help, that’s what we’re there for,” said Skip Dulin, commander of DAV Chapter 62 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Seven local leaders that support fellow veterans and the Northwoods community are helping spread the word of their organizations in hopes to welcome the younger generations of honorably discharged veterans. Many of these organizations gather during their monthly meetings, showing their dedication to fellow veterans is a unified effort.

Arizona benefits advocate recognized for supporting Native American veterans

Home Base’s Chief Operating Officer Michael Allard, Director of Development Dan Arkins and Regional Associate Director of Home Base Arizona Marcus Dentdale presented DAV member Aunjel Smith of Arizona with a certificate of appreciation. Aunjel’s support of their inaugural Mobile Native Intensive Clinical Program made a huge impact on the Native American veterans who participated, and she has remained in touch with them after the conclusion of the program.

A hero’s send-off: Minot launches first Honor Flight for local veterans

The spirit of patriotism soared in Minot, North Dakota, as DAV Chapter 4 hosted an inspiring send-off for the city’s first Honor Flight. One hundred eighteen veterans from the Vietnam, Korean and World War II eras embarked on a moving two-day trip to Washington, D.C., to experience their national memorials. The journey culminated in a powerful homecoming at Minot International Airport, where an estimated 400 to 500 people, according to Chapter 4 Commander Frank Senn, gathered to offer a hero’s welcome. Pictured is the sendoff party for Chapter 4’s local veterans a few days before the flight.

Quilt of Valor awarded to North Dakota veteran

In November, Vietnam War veteran Doug Kalmbach, who is a member of DAV Chapter 4 in Minot, North Dakota, was presented a Quilt of Valor by the Peace and Honor Quilts of Valor organization. Luanne Duchsherer presented the quilt to Kalmbach at the Dakota Territory Air Museum hangar in Minot.

Veteran recognized for community service

Last fall, local media recognized Army veteran Doug Benjamin for his dedication to the veteran community in North Dakota. From 2019–2022, Benjamin served three terms as commander of DAV Chapter 4 in Minot. Since then, he has become involved at the state level and is currently the DAV Department of North Dakota commander. Benjamin’s interests in making sure veterans get help for their disabilities and settling their disability claims led him to join DAV.

Oregon veterans replace memorial flag and plaque

After someone vandalized the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Deschutes Memorial Chapel and Gardens in Bend, Oregon, a group of veterans replaced the toppled flagpole, installed a new plaque and rededicated site. “We’ve lost a lot of friends,” said Robert Landers, commander of DAV Chapter 14 in Bend. “Many of their names are right here on this plaque.” Now, the memorial is a special, safe place for veterans to pay their respects. The back of the plaque lists everyone who contributed to the project. The community came together to rededicate it and to celebrate the restoration during a Veterans Day ceremony.

Florida veteran interviewed on local news about his military and DAV journey

In January, Vietnam veteran and Past National Commander Dennis Joyner appeared on “Operation Outreach,” a program produced by the Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council in Florida. Joyner discussed his experiences as a new father and a Vietnam veteran. While on patrol in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, Joyner became a triple amputee as a result of a land mine explosion. His recovery was quick, and he was discharged from the Army. But his story was far from over. He dedicated his life to helping others with DAV, which was the first organization that came to visit him in the hospital.

‘Six Triple Eight’ legend: DAV Chapter 100 pays tribute to Millie Dunn Veasey

North Carolina’s newest DAV chapter, Chapter 100 in Chapel Hill, recently honored its namesake, Millie Dunn Veasey, with a joyous birthday celebration. Veasey, a member of the legendary 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—popularly known as the “Six Triple Eight”—the only all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit deployed overseas during World War II. Her work ensured mail reached troops across Europe, boosting morale and maintaining connections between soldiers and loved ones. Following military service, Veasey became a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, serving as president of the Raleigh-Wake Chapter of the NAACP from 1965 to 1968. Her legacy was further cemented last year when a Raleigh post office was renamed in her honor, recognizing her lasting contributions to her community and the nation.

DAV department remembers the Maine

“Remember the Maine!” echoed 127 years after the sinking of the USS Maine. On Feb. 15, 2025, the DAV Department of Maine honored the 266 lives lost in the 1898 event. The cause remains debated, but it led to war with Spain. Department Commander Craig Florey and George Mathis commemorated the anniversary with a wreath-laying, also marking the department’s 50th charter anniversary and Florey’s birthday.

Kentucky veteran spreads PTSD awareness

Bob Casher, commander of DAV Chapter 3 in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is spreading the word about hope for those with post-traumatic stress disorder. He and his wife, Jane, have been traveling around the state screening “HERE. IS. BETTER,” a documentary that follows four veterans in treatment for PTSD. It shows how PTSD affects not only the individual but also their family and friends. Casher brings resources supplied by the Department of Veterans Affairs to each screening, helping to shed light on the treatments available as well as providing information for family members. “Viewings have attendance ranging from over 100 to as little as 12,” Casher said. “To me, it does not matter how many attend. What does matter is getting the word out and getting individuals to know there is help and to not be ashamed to ask.” He holds the screenings, he said, because the benefits of saving one life, one family or one friendship are worth the time and effort.

Veteran crew shares canoe in Ohio River Paddlefest

Every August, Tom Conlan gathers a crew of veterans for the annual Ohio River Paddlefest. Conlan, a Marine veteran and member of DAV Chapter 1 in Cincinnati, recruits veteran paddlers to make the nearly 10-mile trek down the Ohio River in the DAV Voyager canoe. Ohio River Paddlefest is recognized as the nation’s largest paddling celebration, with some 2,000 participants traveling downriver through downtown Cincinnati in canoes, kayaks and other human-powered craft. Paddlefest is organized by Adventure Crew, a nonprofit organization that connects city teens to nature and each other through engaging outdoor adventures.

Memorial wall at DAV chapter honors Arizona veterans

The Honor Roll of Veterans memorial wall, located at DAV Chapter 8 in Mesa, Arizona, recognizes local veterans, past and present. The wall, started in 2017 and now covered in 133 bricks, is the brainchild of George Colbert, the chapter’s senior vice commander who leads its fundraising activities. Colbert enlisted in the Marines on Aug. 24, 1967, served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged as a lance corporal on March 17, 1969. He joined DAV in 2013 and has been a chapter service officer since 2015.

Feeding veterans and their families in California

Members of DAV Chapter 92 in Victorville, California, run the food pantry at the High Desert Vet Center and play a vital role in supporting veterans and their families. Every Friday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., the chapter connects veterans with essential food supplies, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals. The food pantry not only provides sustenance but also fosters a sense of community and support for area veterans facing financial hardships or other challenges post-service. DAV members are committed to serving veterans one family at a time, reinforcing the message that their service is valued and remembered.

Massachusetts veteran interviews cataloged in Library of Congress

Last November, Army infantry veteran Marcus Howard interviewed two DAV members from Chapter 7 in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Army veteran Lawrence Badger and Navy veteran Virginia Senna-Davis both live and work in New Bedford, serving its veteran community. These interviews will be documented and cataloged in the Library of Congress. “Veterans are a strong, resilient community that suffer both visible and invisible wounds and need support and purpose like everyone else,” Howard said. “We stick together through the love of our country, our commitment to serve and the mutual respect of our sacrifice.”