Stepping up in times of crisis
When wildfires swept through Southern California in early 2025, they left a trail of devastation—claiming at least 30 lives and destroying thousands of homes—making it the second-deadliest wildfire in California history. Among those affected were countless veterans and their families, many of whom suddenly found themselves displaced and in urgent need of support.
DAV sprang into action. The DAV Disaster Relief Program includes delivering emergency grants and supply kits to veterans and their families to help them weather those critical first days away from home.
“We were able to offer $1,000 grants to veterans affected by the fires,” said Jonathan Martin, a DAV benefits advocate from the national service office in Los Angeles, California. “Several veterans told us that with those checks, they could finally buy groceries, feed their families and find temporary housing. It was a lifeline.”
Through DAV’s efforts, $15,000 in relief funds were distributed to veterans that needed assistance in the aftermath of those wildfires.
In addition to the financial assistance, local DAV volunteers also mobilized to support their own. Members of Chapter 12 in San Bernardino immediately mobilized to support displaced veterans by identifying resources and stockpiling donated items to distribute.
Chapter 12, led by Commander Jose Mendoza, went above and beyond by meticulously sorting and distributing only brand-new donated items to ensure veterans received high-quality support. The chapter coordinated with a local reality center to set up a direct resource distribution point for fire victims, even driving through challenging conditions like snow to deliver essential supplies. Their auxiliary unit was particularly instrumental, working tirelessly to help veterans during this critical time of need.
“Veterans were allowed to come in and grab whatever they needed,” said Army veteran and DAV Chapter 12 member Ralph Figueroa. “Many of these veterans had absolutely nothing. To see how people lit up when DAV gave them their relief checks, it just speaks volumes about the organization and what it stands for. It is our job to help our fellow brothers- and sisters-in-arms, especially in a time of need.”
Table with donated items from DAV Chapter 12
As natural disasters continue to make 2025 a challenge, DAV’s efforts in recent years—nearly $1.5 million provided to over 2,000 veterans affected by natural disasters in 2024—are a beacon of hope.
All of DAV’s no-cost programs—such as disaster relief—operate solely on the generosity of our supporters. You can join DAV in the mission to help our nation’s heroes during their time of need by donating today. Your support ensures DAV is able to assist America’s ill and injured veterans for years to come.
