THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF DAV AND AUXILIARY MAY | JUNE 2017 CALLING ON CONGRESS Page 8 National commander asks lawmakers to equalize caregiver benefits, safeguard veterans health care options Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai DAV.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/DAV @DAVHQ @DAVETERANS AVAILABLE FOR MOBILE DEVICES A contingent of DAV members from the Department of Missouri poses before heading to Capitol Hill for congressional visits with elected representatives. Like others nationwide, the department amplified DAV’s key legislative priorities of improving benefits and services for pre-9/11 caregivers and women veterans as well as other important subjects. Above: (From left) National Headquarters Executive Director Barry Jesinoski, National Adjutant Marc Burgess and National Commander Dave Riley view a presentation during a National Service Foundation meeting. Left: Dennis Joyner, past national commander and president of the Disabled Veterans’ Life Memorial Foundation, leads a board of directors meeting during the conference. The foundation administers the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C. National Commander Dave Riley (right) presents DAV’s Outstanding Federal Executive of the Year award to VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin for his exemplary leadership and service to Members from the Department of Wisconsin meet with Sen. ill and injured veterans during his tenure as VA undersecretary Ron Johnson (center right) at the Hart Senate Office Building for health. in Washington, D.C. The meeting was one of dozens DAV advocates held with elected officials during the mid-winter conference. COMMENTARY From the NATIONAL COMMANDER DAVID W. RILEY A day to remember s our country pauses for the our department and chapter approaching Memorial Day veteran advocates fulfill a promise weekend, I think it’s safe to that was made. The noble work of Asay the national solemn remembrance DAV Transportation Network drivers means something particularly special ensures our brothers and sisters to the disabled veteran community. aren’t left behind and their caregivers For those of us who served and left a are given respite. The special thanks part of ourselves behind during our mili- given by DAV, Auxiliary and youth tary service, remembering the ultimate volunteers in local communities and sacrifice of our fallen makes Memorial VA medical centers recognize the Day a special occasion. cause and brotherhood for which they Part of the fabric that has bound the fought. And our nationwide disaster veteran community together since the relief efforts ensure those changed by Battles of Lexington military service are and Concord in 1775 not forgotten in times is that we, and our For those of us who of unforeseen tragedy. families, have made served and left a It is fitting and service to our nation appropriate that we a priority. Those who part of ourselves pause and reflect have fallen, as well behind during our on comrades lost as their survivors, military service, this Memorial Day. deserve a special However, I believe place in our hearts. remembering the with every ounce By continuing a life ultimate sacrifice of my soul that they of service to our fellow would encourage veterans and their of our fallen makes us to carry on in families within our Memorial Day a purposeful ways communities through special occasion. that advance the DAV, we pay special beliefs and values tribute to the fallen by which they lived who gave their all for the freedoms, and died. They would encourage us prosperity and peace that American to embrace every moment we have on citizens enjoy. Earth. They would ask us to give back DAV members, volunteers and staff do as much as we possibly can. incredible work every day across this Doing so honors the lives they led great country. By providing benefits and the supreme sacrifice they made counseling for survivors and veterans, on our behalf. Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai DAV.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/DAV | @DAVHQ | @DAVETERANS 1 CONTENTS National Commander Dave Riley 1 remarks on making the supreme FEATURES choice, what Memorial Day means to those who survived, and how 8 we honor those who fell. Advocacy in action: Highlights Inclusivity is key to growing our from DAV’s 2017 Mid-Winter 3 ranks and making sure no veteran falls through the cracks, according Conference in Washington, D.C. to National Adjutant Marc Burgess. Above and beyond: How the VA 5 Office of Veterans Experience helped ensure Navy veteran Tawan Throngkumpola escaped 20 homelessness. Whether first-timers or repeat Advocacy on wheels: DAV’s participants, veterans share 16 Mobile Service Office Program hits the road to bring services directly their inspiring experiences from to veterans. the 2017 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. For Memorial Day, Vietnam 18 veteran, Medal of Honor recipient and author Pete Lemon pays tribute to those with whom he 24 served. Unsung heroes: Speaking out DAV teams up with Vet Tix to about the need for expansion of 27 provide free tickets for veterans and their families to attend caregiver benefits and support community events. to pre-9/11 veterans. Working to bring all veterans 28 home, the DAV Interim POW/MIA Committee continues pushing legislation to support recovery David W. Riley National Commander missions for those still missing J. Marc Burgess National Adjutant/Publisher in action. Daniel J. Clare National Communications Director DAV MAGAZINE • May/June 2017 Contact us: dav.org • Toll Free 877-426-2838 • 3725 Alexandria Pike, Ashleigh Byrnes Deputy National Communications Director Cold Spring, KY 41076 • [email protected]. Volume 59, Issue 3, DAV Magazine (ISSN 0885-6400). Editorial Office: DAV Magazine, P.O. Box Steven Wilson Assistant National Communications Director 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Telephone 859-441-7300 or toll Charity A. Edgar Assistant 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 Page is dav.org. Available on recording for the blind and those with Mary Dever Assistant National Communications Director physical handicaps that preclude reading printed material. The magazine is mailed free to DAV and Auxiliary members who are paid subscribers. Bryan Lett Assistant National Communications Director Nonmembers may subscribe for $15 per year. Periodical postage paid at office of publication, Newport, KY 41071, and at additional offices. Printed James W. Killen Associate National Communications Director in U.S.A. Change of Address: When notifying a change of address, send Austin Shaffner Associate National Communications Director former as well as new address, including ZIP code, to: DAV Magazine, DAV National Headquarters, P.O. Box 145550, Cincinnati, OH 45250- Doreen Briones Production Manager 5550. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DAV Magazine, DAV National Headquarters, P.O. Box 145550, Cincinnati, OH 45250-5550. Shannan Archer Senior Graphic Designer COMMENTARY From the NATIONAL ADJUTANT J. MARC BURGESS Brotherhood and sisterhood uthor Peter E. Terzick wrote, “You and need in order to address their cannot see brotherhood; neither service-connected conditions. can you hear it nor taste it. But DAV’s 2014 report, Women Veterans: Ayou can feel it a hundred times a day. It The Long Journey Home, states, “When is the pat on the back when things look women talk about their military service, gloomy. It is the smile of encouragement a large number will report that they feel when the way seems hard. It is the invisible, that their ‘non-combat’ role helping hand when the burden becomes was less valued than those of the men unbearable.” who served and that they do not identify Brotherhood and sisterhood are the themselves as veterans.” cornerstones of DAV’s membership. Additionally, the DAV Veterans Pulse When servicemen and women leave Survey noted 56 percent—more than the military, there are many chances for half—of women veterans do not believe us to create a bridge for them through they receive the same respect and our local chapters and departments. appreciation as their male counterparts. Opportunities abound to improve the Only 34 percent of male veterans feel quality of life and the sense of belonging that women don’t get the same respect. veterans feel within our community as It’s clear from the aforementioned they transition into civilian life. incident that this gap is significant Though entirely unrelated to DAV, the and real and must be addressed. recent revelation that tens of thousands Author Jolene Perry wrote that of active-duty military men and veterans “brothers don’t let each other wander have been disparaging and harassing in the dark alone.” This, of course, also servicewomen and female veterans applies to our sisters. through online forums is contrary to the I thank those among us who have notion of brotherhood and camaraderie gone above and beyond to welcome that our values demand. These actions our women warriors and created robust are shameful and have no place in the veterans programs to support them military or veteran communities. within their chapters and departments. This kind of behavior can be what I encourage others to do the same. dissuades many women from continuing As an organization of veterans helping successful careers in the military. It veterans, it is incumbent upon each and can make women doubt their status every one of us to create a welcoming as veterans, despite their many valu- environment to all those who served, able contributions in service. And it regardless of their gender, job, military can be a major factor in why many branch or service era, as we are all women veterans do not seek the bonded together through our service benefits and health care they earned to this great nation.