The Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary (DAVA) has partnered with the DAV parent organization in their mission of service to disabled veterans and their families. That relationship has continued to flourish and the blended organizations have achieved many victories in their quest to improve the quality of life our veterans rightly deserve. With nearly a quarter-million members, the DAVA programs are far-reaching and the personal rewards fulfilling. Our members are diverse in their interests which is what has made the DAVA so successful. Our programs include Americanism, Community Service, Junior Activities, Legislative, and VA Voluntary Services. Foremost in our hearts is the goal of assuring benefit entitlement and compassion for our disabled veterans and their families.
Programs
Americanism
This is one program that all units can and should participate in. It does not require great sums of money, traveling, or even a unit with a large membership. It does, however, require a team effort and time. The Americanism Chairman always presents a report at all unit meetings. The unit should be instructed on the correct way to give the pledge, the importance of voting, displaying the flag properly and participating as a unit in all holidays, such as Flag Day, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, July 4th and local holidays. The chairman should keep accurate records of the unit and plan a special Americanism Program to be held sometime during the year.
Community Service
Community Service is involvement. It is knowing, caring and participating in our surrounding environment. It is being aware of life, and all the responsibilities it holds. There are many such groups and local projects that are worthy of our time and effort. LOOK AROUND! What is the need in your community?
FAMILY SERVICE will include direct aid to families. This may be given in many ways. There may be veterans’ families that due to a change in their financial status need assistance with mortgages, utility bills, food and presentations, etc.
PROFESSIONAL AND TRADE SERVICES These services are also direct services to families. Any assistance you may render could be consdered trade services such as barber, beautician, cobbler, tailer, plumber, repairman, etc.
GENERAL SERVICES will include all organized activities in your community. Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls, 4 H, Meals-on-Wheels, volunteer work at blood drives, school support, etc.
RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT
This area can bring many hours of cheer to individuals or families. Parties, entertainment, treats, and gifts may be included in this area.
SPECIAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS such as Older Veterans Assistance Program, Handicapped Parking, historical markers, recreational clubs and libraries. Stress service to the Disabled Veteran and Family. There is a need to help. Do not limit your unit to only the projects listed above.
NETWORKING Think about it! How often do you look forward to a call from a friend or acquaintance just keeping in touch? As a unit, every member could be that lifeline or part of the network of keeping in touch. It’s a simple task really and it utilizing what our auxiliaries do best.
Junior Activities
Junior members are a vital part of this organization!
The eligibility and age requirements are easy to remember. The prospective junior can be an extended family member of any honorable discharged US armed services disabled veteran, non-disabled veteran, or Auxiliary member. A junior must be 17 years of age or under.
Legislation
We recognize that one of the important functions of the Disabled American Veterans and its Auxiliary is to influence legislation favorable to the needs of its members.
Below is a link to national legislation from the DAV national web site, www.dav.org/membership/documents. Then click on Legislative for a current list of Legislative Bulletin.
For Minnesota state legislative affairs go to www.leg.state.mn.us. You will find how to contact your legislator and you can search by keywords and phrases.
Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service (VAVS)
The Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service (VAVS) program of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary is designed to give the members of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary an opportunity to serve as volunteers in the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, Domiciliaries, and Contract Nursing Homes. The opportunities of a volunteer in a V.A. Medical Center System vary.
Our current VAVS Representative is Lois McCarron, lois_mccarron@yahoo.com.
DAV Auxiliary of Minnesota
Veterans Service Building Floor 3
20 West 12 Street
St. Paul, MN 55155
Adjutant Breanna Kissel
kisselbreanna@gmail.com
DAV AUXILIARY OF MINNESOTA
