2025 State Convention in Medford, Oregon May 16-18, 2025, Hilton Gardens Inn

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.

2025 Elected Chapter Officers

We had a common experience which bound us together, and we ought to continue through an organization of our own…an organization of us, by us and for us… ~ Robert S. Marx ~

Daniel Berger

Commander,

Vietnam Era

Marine Veteran

Audie B. Cooper

Sr. Vice Commander, Membership Chairman

Desert Shield / Gulf War

Army "Combat Medic" Veteran

David K. Haines

Jr. Vice Commander,

Past Commander

Vietnam / Gulf War

Navy & Air Force Veteran

Paul H. Smith

Jr. Vice Commander,

Vietnam Era

Army Veteran

Don O'Meara,

Treasurer,

Fundraising Chairman

Vietnam Era

Army Veteran

Anginette C. Echols (Ann)

Adjutant, Past Commander

Oregon Department Service Officer

Post 911 Gulf War

Navy Veteran

Dale Templeman

Chaplain,

Korean War

Navy Veteran

Vickie David,

Past Adjutant,

Chapter Service Officer

(Josephine County)

Army Veteran (39 years)

Gulf War Veteran

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

Share your Story with Us at DAV!

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!

In Loving Memory of:

(Sept 6,2023)

Josh Branca,

Former Adjutant,

Peer Support Coordinator

Post 9/11 Gulf War Era,

Air Force Veteran

In Loving Memory of:

(Aug 21, 2021)

Richard Backus,

Former Chaplain,

VA SORCC Museum Coordinator/Volunteer

Vietnam Era,

Army Veteran

Our Mission and Supported Programs

At DAVJC8, we are dedicated to supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and their families through a variety of impactful programs and initiatives. Our commitment extends across multiple areas of assistance, ensuring that those who have served our nation receive the care, resources, and support they deserve.

Care Packages for Troops

Through our partnership with Disabled American Veterans Jackson County Chapter 8, we organize care package donations for deployed troops. We accept donations such as cookies, coffee, snacks, cards, magazines, games, beef jerky, and trail mix. These care packages provide a touch of home and much-needed morale boosts to our service members overseas. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 1262, Medford, OR 97501, or picked up upon request. The deadline for the current donation cycle is March 1. For pick-up inquiries, please call 530-925-9677, or email davjc8@gmail.com.

Programs We Support:

Rogue Valley NCOA Medallion Program

Recognizing and honoring service members and veterans for their dedication and sacrifices through special medallions.

Operation Rambo - Service Animals for Veterans in Need

Providing service animals to veterans who need assistance due to PTSD, disabilities, or other service-related conditions.

Wreaths Across America & Other Memorial Programs

Honoring our fallen heroes by placing wreaths on gravesites at Eagle Point National Cemetery and participating in other remembrance initiatives.

VA SORCC (Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinic)

Supporting veterans in need of medical care, rehabilitation services, and housing assistance through the VA's Homeless Program and RRTP (Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program) Inpatient Assistance.

Housing Assistance Programs for Southern Oregon

Helping veterans and their families secure stable housing and access essential resources for a better quality of life.

Energy Assistance

Providing aid to veterans struggling with utility bills, ensuring they have access to basic necessities like heating and electricity.

Stand Up and Downs

Organizing donation drives and support services for veterans in transition, whether it be moving into stable housing or adjusting to civilian life.

Feeding the Unhoused and Critical Initiatives

Offering meals and essential supplies to veterans and others in need throughout our community.

Transportation for Veterans and Their Families

Ensuring veterans and their families have reliable transportation to medical appointments, job interviews, and essential services.

Educational and Employment Assistance

Helping veterans transition into the workforce with career training, job placement assistance, and access to education resources.

We are proud to serve those who have served us, and we welcome community involvement to support these vital missions. If you would like to contribute or learn more about how you can help, please contact us today!

*DAV is a tax-exempt organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible according to IRS regulation.

Want to Give to a local cause in your area?

Do you want to make a difference?

Our Community "Forget Me Not" Donations is for You!

All collected donations from around Southern Oregon are utilized for those veterans and their families in need right here in our community.

Dear Donors,

Please accept our sincere appreciation for all you do for veterans and their families. Our only way to continue supporting DAV's mission is through local charitable donations. As a not for profit organization, our volunteer service officers and volunteers contribute valuable time to help veterans just like us. Our volunteer staff with Disabled American Veterans Jackson County Chapter 8 will ensure that your donation to support local veteran families stay in Southern Oregon. If you would like to donate to our Oregon Department or National organization then please make sure to include that in your donation request.

We build strong, lasting relationships within that network. By working together, we can help one veteran and their family at a time. We are stronger united. Please call, text, or email us anytime and we will try to get back to you within 72 business hours..

Thank You,

Disabled American Veterans Jackson County Chapter 8

Medford, Oregon

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