BACK from the BRINK Veteran of the Year Defies Odds After Nearly Losing His Life
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THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF DAV AND AUXILIARY JULY | AUGUST 2020 BACK FROM THE BRINK Veteran of the year defies odds after nearly losing his life. Page 10 DAV.ORG DAV @DAVHQ DAVHQ COMPANY/DAVHQ DISABLEDVETERANS 2020 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention CANCELED ut of an abundance of caution for the health, Other appointments made by the national Osafety and well-being of veterans, their families commander or adjutant will remain in place. Vacancies and guests, DAV’s National Executive Committee that arise in this period will be handled as they would if (NEC) canceled the 2020 DAV and Auxiliary National they occurred any other time, in accordance with DAV Convention scheduled to begin Aug. 1 in Dallas. The governing documents. decision was made as a result of concerns related to “We are fortunate to have great leaders in our the COVID-19 pandemic. ranks to help us weather this storm,” said Whitehead. “We conduct a lot of our most important business “Most importantly, we should be proud of what we’ve at the event, and we delayed making the decision in overcome to continue serving veterans and their the hopes that the situation would have changed,” said families with unemployment relief, employment National Adjutant Marc Burgess. “We put the health resources and benefits advocacy. and safety of our veteran members, their families and “I believe we’re going to come out of this a stronger, our volunteers first. In the end, based on the guidance more connected community because we’ve been able we received, we wouldn’t be able to effectively host an to adjust to and overcome these challenges as a team.” event that was accessible to our members.” A virtual event to recognize volunteers, honor The cancellation is the second in the 100-year outstanding leaders and provide educational resources history of the organization. In 1942, as the nation for those who carry out DAV’s mission will be hosted ramped up involvement in World War II, the event digitally. was also halted. As a result, there is a template in The organization still plans to host a centennial place for governance. DAV’s National Bylaws run from celebration in Cincinnati in September. Updates on convention to convention. That means a second year in those events can be found at www.dav.org/centennial. the top seat for National Commander Stephen “Butch” DAV and the Auxiliary are scheduled to host the next Whitehead and longer terms for national line officers national convention July 24–27, 2021, in Reno, Nev. n until members convene in 2021. Because DAV members elect leaders and determine the organization’s legislative agenda at the national Don’t miss the 2020 virtual event! convention, mandates and resolutions adopted Updates to online activities and plans surrounding by delegates in 2019 will remain in effect (unless the 2020 convention will be posted on DAV’s enacted) through 2021. The Bylaws mandate DAV website and social networks, so check back often. protect benefits already in place for veterans and their dependents. As such, the National Executive Committee dav.org/events/2020-national-convention may adopt new resolutions specific to federal legislation. facebook.com/DAV NEC members who currently represent even- numbered districts will be asked to serve a third year. twitter.com/DAVHQ | @DAVHQ Next year at convention, all districts will elect a new NEC member. Those in even-numbered districts instagram.com/DAVHQ will choose representatives for one-year terms. Odd- linkedin.com/company/davhq numbered districts will elect representatives for two-year terms. youtube.com/DisabledVeterans COMMENTARY From the NATIONAL COMMANDER STEPHEN “BUTCH” WHITEHEAD We’ve done this before hen Laurence R. Melton was responsibility to serve as the command elected national commander sergeant major of the Army National at the 1941 DAV National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division. In doing WConvention, he likely had little indication so, he was and I have been afforded the at the time that he’d end up serving opportunity to keep our fingers on the in the position for the longest term in pulse of emerging veterans issues. DAV history. That’s because after the This coming year, DAV will continue Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor thrust focusing our legislative efforts on securing the United States into World War II benefits for veterans made ill as a result later that year, DAV leaders called off of toxic exposures to burn pits and Agent the convention to save resources as Orange, addressing gaps and inequities part of the nationwide war effort. in programs and services for women It was the only time in DAV history veterans, improving benefits for spouses that a national convention was not and survivors of disabled veterans, and held—until now—as we announce strengthening veterans mental health the cancellation of the 2020 DAV and care and suicide prevention programs. Auxiliary National Convention in Dallas. The cancellation of this year’s Though the reasons for the respective convention makes our work throughout cancellations are different, both were the year that much more consequential necessary to ensure the welfare of our for the veterans we serve. I humbly ask country. In 1942, we faced Nazis and you to maintain the same tenacity you imperialists, and we prevailed. In 2020, have shown during my tenure as national our enemy is COVID-19, a vexing virus commander as you advocate for our that makes a weakness of what is brothers- and sisters-in-arms. typically one of our strengths—our unity As we continue through this unique and ability to gather together for a chapter of DAV history, my pledge to shared purpose. you remains the same: I will keep fighting Though I know many of you look to ensure America’s veterans get the forward to our national convention benefits they’ve earned and deserve while each year, this sacrifice is ultimately in working with DAV leaders on emerging the interest of safety for our members issues so our great organization can and staff. continue to improve, grow and adapt. During the war, Past National It may seem like uncharted territory, Commander Melton was called back to but DAV has been here before. And once active duty, on which he served for most again, with your unwavering resolve and of his time in office. Last November, I support, we will come out stronger on rejoined the military and accepted the the other end. DAV.ORG | DAV | @DAVHQ | DAVHQ | COMPANY/DAVHQ | DISABLEDVETERANS 1 CONTENTS National Commander Butch 1 Whitehead reflects on DAV’s unique history in times of crisis FEATURES as he prepares to enter a second 10 year of service. As the nation begins to recover After sustaining horrific injuries 3 from the COVID-19 crisis, National in Kosovo, DAV’s Outstanding Adjutant Marc Burgess calls on Disabled Veteran of the veterans to place focus on mental Year, Army veteran Adam health and getting help. Greathouse, was not expected As a California Army veteran faces to live—but out of the darkness, 6 a life-altering illness, DAV and he has found his mission partner PenFed help him keep in helping his fellow veterans. his life on track. During nationwide closures, 14 8 DAV and the VA responded to the COVID pandemic with a series “You can recover from MST”: of sweeping changes to support Navy veteran Michael Stern impacted veterans. shares his story of military The COVID-19 outbreak forced sexual assault, the struggles 13 creativity and innovation to the that followed and how DAV forefront of daily operations—and is helping him along the way. the VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals was ready to take on the challenge. Stigma around genital injuries has 18 20 left many disabled veterans to suffer in silence, but help is available. Long denied benefits for his exposure to Agent Orange, Navy DAV’s job fairs have gone virtual veteran Daniel McGrath finally 22 in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, and attendance has received his VA claim approval hit a record high. thanks to DAV’s advocacy. A DAV chapter with a legacy Stephen “Butch” Whitehead National Commander of giving is being recognized 25 J. Marc Burgess National Adjutant/Publisher for its considerable generosity. Barry A. Jesinoski National Headquarters Executive Director DAV MAGAZINE • July/August 2020 Contact us: dav.org • Toll Free 877-426-2838 • 3725 Alexandria Pike, Daniel J. Clare Chief Communications and Outreach Officer Cold Spring, KY 41076 • [email protected]. Volume 62, Issue 4, DAV Rob Lewis National Communications Director Magazine (ISSN 0885-6400). Editorial Office: DAV Magazine, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Telephone 859-441-7300 or toll Ashleigh Byrnes Deputy National Communications Director free (877) I AM A VET. Published and circulated bimonthly bulletin by the Disabled American Veterans, a Congressionally chartered, nonprofit M. Todd Hunter Assistant National Communications Director organization, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. DAV Home Mary Dever Assistant National Communications Director Page is dav.org. Available on recording for the blind and those with physical handicaps that preclude reading printed material. The magazine Bryan Lett Assistant National Communications Director is mailed free to DAV and Auxiliary members who are paid subscribers. Nonmembers may subscribe for $15 per year. Periodical postage paid at Austin Shaffner Assistant National Communications Director office of publication, Newport, KY 41071, and at additional offices. Printed Matt Saintsing Associate National Communications Director in U.S.A. Change of Address: When notifying a change of address, send former as well as new address, including ZIP code, to: DAV Magazine, Doreen Briones Production Manager DAV National Headquarters, P.O. Box 145550, Cincinnati, OH 45250- Shannan Archer Senior Graphic Designer 5550.