DAV 's MISSION STATEMENT:

We are dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. We accomplish 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; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

This mission is carried forward by:

• Providing free, professional assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services earned through military service and provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies of government.

• Providing outreach concerning its program services to the American people generally, and to disabled veterans and their families specifically.

• Representing the interests of disabled veterans, their families, their widowed spouses and their orphans before Congress, the White House and the Judicial Branch, as well as state and local government.

• Extending DAV’s mission of hope into the communities where these veterans and their families live through a network of state-level Departments and local Chapters.

• Providing a structure through which disabled veterans can express their compassion for their fellow veterans through a variety of volunteer programs.

The following is a testimonial: 

Hi everyone! I'm Ann Echols, and I became a Life Member of DAV in 2018. Disabled American Veterans hold a special place in my heart, so I wanted to explain why. Through my service as a Veteran, I was able to access valuable services and benefits. As a result, I and my family were able to get off the streets and into stable housing. My benefits led me to commit myself to giving back to the organization as a result of the support I received. I'm helping to lead the way for veterans like me as a Chapter Service Officer. 

In August 2000, I joined the U.S. Navy and served until November 2003. While aboard the USS Carl Vinson CVN-70, I served at Kitsap Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA. Before leaving the Navy, I joined the Naval Legal Service Northwest, where my passion for claims assistance developed. Prior to my medical discharge, I began cross-rating from Ship's Serviceman (SH) to Legalman (LN). As a result of my background, I am the regional coordinator for sexual assault in the military for Southern Oregon.

At DAV, we specialize in Veteran's Benefits in a Transformative Atmosphere! Our goal isn't just to help you through this complicated, difficult process, but also to make you feel like part of a family. As we signed the dotted line, we pledged to serve our country for the rest of our lives. We are dedicated to equality, so regardless of our disabilities, we all served and performed our duties. The key to solving problems is communication, and I am a skilled thinker, researcher, and communicator with a degree in conflict management. In addition, we can help you deal with some of the tough challenges veterans face when it comes to impact statements for your claims. 

Feeling scared? Don't worry! We're here for you! Let me assist you in locating the resources you need within your community or answering any questions you may have regarding benefits. We can build a better future together by maintaining strong relationships with people and forming partnerships within our community. 

We are stronger together!         

DAV STORY 

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Learn more about what DAV is doing to help shape the way for Women. WomenVeterans.org 

Always Remember and Never Forgotten...In Loving Memory of Those Who Went Before Us!