DAV

10/19/2026

Day one of the DAV Patriot Boot Camp Alumni Accelerator is in the books!

Veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs returned to the room ready to build on the work they've already started. This special alumni event brought together past Patriot Boot Camp participants for a day of fresh perspectives, meaningful conversations and hands-on business development.

From a fireside chat with Chef Robert Irvine to workshops on customer discovery, product-market fit and exit strategies, today's sessions challenged founders to think critically about their customers, their business models and what's next.

Patriot Boot Camp is about more than getting a business off the ground. It's about equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, connections and support to keep moving forward. And for this alumni cohort, that journey continues together.

10/19/2026

DAV mourns the passing of Past National Commander Billy E. Kirby, who died on the morning of Oct. 15 at the age of 105.

A World War II Army veteran wounded in the Battle of the Rapido River in Italy, Kirby dedicated his life to honoring the sacrifices of his fellow service members and advocating for the care and benefits veterans have earned. As DAV national commander from 1988 to 1989, he helped carry forward our mission of serving veterans, their families and survivors.

His legacy is perhaps best captured in his own words, inscribed at the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C.:
“I shall recall with humility those who were stronger and braver than me.

And I shall recall—with celebration and joy—our nation's heritage of selfless sacrifice and commitment to the common good.”

We honor Commander Kirby’s extraordinary life, his unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans and the example he leaves for generations to come.

Read more about his life and legacy:

Every VA program was hard-won. World War II veteran shows how advocacy can preserve benefits for future generations.

10/19/2026

She was 2 when her mother was wounded by a rocket-propelled gr***de in Iraq. As a child caregiver, Sanaa Lucas learned the power of advocacy and the difference devotion can make.

Read more from DAV Magazine ➡️ https://dav.la/4s7gXu9.

10/18/2026

Organizations attending DAV and RecruitMilitary Job Fairs are looking for veteran and military experience to add to their workplace. Let us introduce you to them at an upcoming event.

10/17/2026

Since 2016, DAV and the Cincinnati Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center have partnered to host the annual DAV Homeless Veterans Stand Down.

Stand downs, like the one held at DAV National Headquarters, happen across the country to connect veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness with programs and resources they’ve earned from their time in uniform.

Services included haircuts and manicures; flu and COVID-19 shots; medical screenings; and assistance with VA benefits, legal issues, Social Security, employment, housing, finances and substance use disorder.

10/17/2026

DAV Department of Massachusetts Commander Dennis Devine placed a corsage on DAV Auxiliary Department of Massachusetts Commander Allison Marie Devine, marking their historic distinction as the first father-daughter team to lead their respective state organizations.

A Navy veteran, the elder Devine has been involved with DAV for more than 50 years, reflecting a lifelong commitment to fellow veterans. His daughter’s path to leadership began through her mother, Cookie Devine, whose own involvement with the Auxiliary inspired Allison to give back to the veteran community.

The moment highlights how service to DAV can carry through generations, with the Devine family’s legacy continuing through both DAV and the DAV Auxiliary. Their joint leadership reflects the strength of family commitment in advancing DAV’s mission of support for veterans and their loved ones.

10/16/2026

“I was at my wits’ end.”

When you’re caring for a loved one, there can be moments when the challenges feel too heavy to navigate alone. And some of those challenges aren’t easy to talk about with just anyone.

For Anna, connecting with Amanda and Scott from her care team, gave her a place to talk openly, feel heard without judgment and find resources that could help her move forward.

💙 DAV Caregivers Support connects caregivers with trained support specialists who can:

• Listen to your concerns and challenges
• Help you find resources tailored to your needs
• Provide compassionate support when you need someone in your corner

Sometimes, having a person to listen can be the first step toward taking care of yourself, too.

If you’re a caregiver who could use some support, learn more at davcaregivers.org.

10/16/2026

Looking for an employer that values military experience? Sonepar USA has hired more than 560 veterans since 2021 and supports career growth through mentorship, training and leadership development. Congratulations to DAV’s Large Employer of the Year!

DAV has named Sonepar USA, its Large Employer of the Year. Headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, Sonepar provides electrical and professional safety solutions to customers in the contractor, industrial, commercial and utility markets. Represe…

10/15/2026

CARtober is a month dedicated to giving back to veterans to fund vital programs and services through the DAV Vehicle Donation Program. Jackie Reau’s donation is an example of how your support can go farther for veterans.

As the granddaughter of an Army veteran, Jackie Reau highly values the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes. So, when the time came to decide what to do with her mom’s old Chrysler, the DAV Vehicle Donation Program was Jackie’s first choice.

Donating the vehicle to DAV was a meaningful way to give back to veterans while paying tribute to her grandfather who served.
"I chose DAV because of the incredible work they do to support veterans living with disabilities. DAV's mission speaks directly to our family values, and I know my grandfather would be proud." - Jackie Reau, DAV supporter and vehicle donor

If you have a vehicle that’s no longer being used, donating it to DAV will provide life-changing support for veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors. DAV also accepts unused vehicles of almost any kind including cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, boats and more. We make the process simple, secure and hassle-free. Plus, you may even qualify for a tax deduction.

In honor of CARtober, learn more about how you can donate a vehicle to help our nation’s veterans at the link in the comments.