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Army veteran and DAV member Alex Hussey was severely disabled after stepping on an improvised explosive device in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Aug. 7, 2012. Alex sustained a traumatic brain injury and lost both legs, most of his left hand and part of his right hand. His then-fiancée, Kim, wasn’t sure if he’d survive, let alone ev...
Today, women are serving in the military in record numbers, representing more than 16% of active-duty military and 10% of veterans. "We want to continue driving meaningful reform to ensure all veterans have equitable access to the benefits and services they have earned," said Joy J. Ilem, DAV’...
Navy hospital corpsman Jennifer Alvarado enlisted as a teen mother to better her life. Alvarado and her four children were at risk of homelessness until she reached out to DAV for assistance in processing her claim.
Jennifer Alvarado joined the Navy in 2001 to serve as a hospital corpsman. Unfortunately, Jennifer experienced military sexual trauma (MST) during her time of service, yet she tried her best to keep going. “The Navy instilled in me honor, courage and commitment. And, I don’t know how to move anywhere other than forward...
In 2003, Army veteran Mark Jackson deployed to Karshi-Khanabad Air Base (K2) in Uzbekistan. “The very first thing I write about is my throat and my eyes stinging from …...
Marine Corps veteran Carmen McGinnis served two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, as a DAV benefits advocate, wife and mother of two girls, she looks forward every day to helping change people’s lives for the better.
On September 11, 2001, Carmen McGinnis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. The events of that morning did not deter her. She proudly served her country in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  "Unfortunately, my time in the service was marred by the dishonorable actions of another. I...
Wildfires rage along the peaks of the northeastern New Mexico terrain. Multiple wildfires began in the areas of Hermit’s Peak and Calf Canyon in April 2022, destroying homes and displacing thousands.
Home is meant to be a place of safety and rest.  Family and friends gather together, making memories during special occasions—birthdays, holidays, graduation celebrations or just for fun. But what happens when a family loses everything due to a disaster? For veterans who are disabled as a result of their military s...
Chris Jarvis (top), Ryan Burgos and family (left), Rhonda White (right)
Being far from home during the holidays can be hard on deployed service members. Missing out on the infectious spirit of the season and removed from festivities with friends and family can bring on the blues. Rhonda White was 24 years old when she first spent the holidays away from her family and loved ones. It was November 1990, and t...
With temperatures going down and holiday decorations going up, the end of the year will be here before we know it. And if you have a car or other vehicle no longer being used, the season of giving is the perfect time to donate your vehicle to support a cause you care about — like helping our nation’s veterans. 
Donating real estate to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) isn’t just an incredible way to give back to America’s veterans — it can also provide multiple financial benefits for you and your family. Here are three great tax deduction benefits for donating your property to DAV:  ●    Avoidanc...
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) supports more than 1 million veterans every year with free, life-changing services. When you donate a vehicle to DAV, you’re empowering our nation’s heroes to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. Your DAV car donation will provide resources to help veterans — like Marine Al Silva &m...
Navy gunner’s mate Ramona Ross-Bacon
Navy veteran Ramona Ross-Bacon was a gunner’s mate who handled Tomahawk missiles, air-to-surface rockets and torpedoes during the Gulf War. While she was proud of her service, working on this powerful weaponry deeply troubled Ramona's moral conscience. “Don’t get me wrong, I continued to do my job. I didn&rsq...
Brooke Hock with hitting coach Brad Foytik
Brooke Hock was scrolling through TikTok on her phone when something made her pause: a video about the number of veteran suicides that happen in our country every day.  Immediately, Brooke’s thoughts raced to her grandfather, Ed LaTour, a Vietnam veteran. As a little girl, she would run her fingers across the brightly colore...
Harold Shaffer, a Vietnam veteran and Kasey Mosser’s grandfather, was the teen’s inspiration to donate to DAV
Kasey Mosser—an Eagle Scout candidate—drove around his hometown of Claysburg, Pennsylvania, searching for a tribute to America’s service members. When he couldn’t locate a memorial to our fallen veterans, he decided to build one.  “As I looked around, nothing stood out to me that...
The Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period runs from October 15 through December 7. Veterans who have the option to select a Medicare Advantage plan to complement their Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits should consider some key factors as they research plan options: Understand how Medicare Advantage w...
The Cartober donation drive is on!  Make this October, Cartober, when you donate a car, truck, RV, or boat to DAV.  And, if you donate your car in October, you’ll get a FREE car air freshener for your new or existing vehicle. Did you know that vehicle donations can drive hundreds and sometimes even...