DAV Department of Massachusetts

09/13/2026

🇺🇸 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — THE WALL THAT HEALS IS COMING TO YARMOUTH, MA 🇺🇸

DAV Department of Massachusetts is asking our members, chapters, families, and friends throughout the veteran community to help support an incredibly meaningful event coming to Cape Cod this week.

The Wall That Heals, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s traveling three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be at Parkers River Landing in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, September 17–20, 2026.

This is an opportunity for Massachusetts to honor our Vietnam veterans, remember those whose names are forever etched on the Wall, and ensure that their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

But right now, the organizers need our help.

💪 VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED:

Tuesday, September 15 — 8:00 AM
Strong, able-bodied volunteers are needed to help position the protective pads used for the tractor-trailer. The pads weigh approximately 100 pounds each and are carried by teams of four.

Tuesday, September 15 — 2:00 PM
Volunteers are needed again to remove the pads.

Wednesday, September 16 — 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Volunteers are needed to help assemble The Wall That Heals. Teams of 2–3 people will carry and install individual Wall panels weighing approximately 60–80 pounds.

Sunday, September 20 — 2:00–7:00 PM
Volunteers are needed to help dismantle The Wall following the closing ceremony.

📞 If you can help with any of these efforts, please contact Barbara-Anne Foley directly at (508) 237-3349.

The week will also include several powerful events, including the Welcome Home Ceremony on Thursday, September 17, beginning with a 9:00 AM blessing of the Wall by the Wampanoag Tribal Medicine Man, drummers, and Tribal Elders.

On Friday evening, September 18, a special Light the Night ceremony will honor those we have lost due to Agent Orange exposure and recognize those who continue to live with Agent Orange-related cancers and illnesses.

Educational tours of The Wall are also available throughout the event.

🇺🇸 DAV Massachusetts is proud to support this important tribute, and we are asking our DAV family to step up and help make it possible.

Whether you can give a few hours, lend some muscle, or simply help us spread the word by sharing this post, every bit of support matters.

We owe it to our Vietnam veterans to make sure Massachusetts gives The Wall That Heals—and the heroes it represents—the welcome and respect they deserve.

Please SHARE and help us fill these volunteer positions! 🇺🇸

08/17/2026

Donna Horton joined the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary 49 years ago and was a dedicated member of the organization throughout those years. She served as DAV Auxiliary State Commander from 1989–1990 and continued to give generously of her time and talents to the Auxiliary.

She represented Massachusetts with distinction as the National Executive Committee member for District 1 in Massachusetts.

Donna was also a Deputy and a dedicated volunteer at the VA West Roxbury Medical Center, where she continued her commitment to veterans and their families.

Donna was the beloved wife of the late Gerald Horton for 51 years. She is the devoted mother of Bob Horton and his wife Sharon, Paul Horton and his wife Joanne, Donald Horton and the late Bruce Horton.

Donna was a warm, kind, gentle and loyal daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend who will be deeply missed.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Donna’s Family on Wednesday, August 19th from 4-7pm in the Doherty – Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden Street READING. Parking attendants and elevator are available.

View Donna Lee (Drury) Horton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/12/2026

08/12/2026

Only a few foursomes left for our 17th annual DAV Department of Massachusetts Golf Tournament. Click here to register

https://davma.org/event/17th-annual-dav-ma-corporate-golf-tournament/

08/08/2026

The response of DAV Department of Massachusetts to recent articles and online commentary concerning Senator Mike Rush and discouraging candidates for office from identifying themselves as veterans during their campaigns is spot on.

The most important part is here:

“DAV Massachusetts is disappointed by recent reports criticizing State Senator and U.S. Navy veteran Mike Rush for identifying his veteran status in campaign materials.

“The DAV Department of Massachusetts is a long-standing, nonpartisan organization whose sole concern is the care and well-being of ill and injured veterans, their families, survivors and caregivers. We do not endorse candidates or officially participate in political campaigns.

“However, the questions raised by a political advocacy group about whether individuals should identify their veteran status while seeking elected office transcend partisan politics. This effort to stigmatize military service could have significant and dangerous consequences for veterans throughout the Commonwealth.

“Running for elected office is a fundamental right that carries a responsibility to communicate one’s qualifications, experience and sense of duty to voters. We applaud Senator Rush for choosing to identify himself as a veteran. As someone who deployed to combat zones and served under dangerous and life-threatening conditions, he demonstrated a commitment to our nation that relatively few Americans undertake. He has every right to communicate that experience, and his constituents have every right to consider it.

“Many DAV members served during the Vietnam War. They vividly and painfully remember a time when veterans felt compelled to hide their military service from their professional and public lives out of fear that disclosing it would harm their careers or lead to social rejection. Those veterans swore that no future generation would ever be treated that way again.

“Separate and apart from any other political considerations, DAV has worked with Senator Rush on numerous issues affecting veterans and their families in Massachusetts. He has consistently made himself available to meet with us, listen to our concerns and, when persuaded of an issue’s merits, advocate tirelessly for justice for those who bear the physical and mental scars of war and for the families who stand beside them.

“Neither Senator Rush nor any veteran—regardless of political affiliation—should be expected to hide the fact that they loved their country enough to risk their life in its defense.”

08/05/2026

Because of the HERO Act, $2,500 checks are on their way to more than 23,000 veterans, Gold Star families, and surviving spouses—the largest year-over-year expansion of this program in its history.

We’re delivering on our commitment to make Massachusetts the best state in the nation for veterans and military families.

08/05/2026

Service-connected disabled Navy veteran John Donovan was unanimously elected national commander today at the DAV & Auxiliary National Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Our members and organization are excited to have you at the helm, Commander!

08/05/2026

As the 2026 DAV National Convention in Orlando comes to a close, the DAV Department of Massachusetts extends our sincere gratitude to our National Commander Coleman Nee for his outstanding year of leadership and service.

Commander Nee represented DAV and our mission with integrity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that America’s disabled veterans and their families receive the care, benefits, and respect they have earned. As a proud member of DAV Massachusetts, he carried the values of our Department onto the national stage and made all of us proud.

Coleman, thank you for your dedication, your countless hours of service, and your steadfast leadership throughout the past year. Your impact on our organization and the veterans we serve will be felt for years to come.

On behalf of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, congratulations on a remarkable year as National Commander. We wish you and your family nothing but continued success, good health, and happiness.

Thank you for your leadership & service🇺🇸

08/04/2026

Ladies & gentlemen, your new DAV National Commander John Donovan! 🇺🇸