Disabled American Veterans Chapter #53

10/18/2026

“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

DAV Caregivers Support provides tailored support and resources to friends, family members and loved ones who provide care to those who served, or to veterans who may be caring for a loved one.

10/16/2026

Helping Our Fellow Veterans with Energy Bills

Ameren Illinois is offering energy grants of up to $400 through their Military Support Program (AIMS) to help active-duty service members and veterans with their electric bills.

Who is eligible?
- Active residential Ameren Illinois customer
- Account in your name (or jointly with your spouse)
- The address is your primary residence
- You are currently on active duty or a veteran

There’s a limit of one grant per household per calendar year.

How to apply:
You can complete the application form on the flyer or download one at AmerenIllinois.com.
More info: [AmerenIllinois.com/assistance](https://www.amerenillinois.com/assistance)
Or call 1-800-755-5000

Active-duty service members also get extra protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), including deposit waivers and late-fee relief.

If you or someone you know in the Quad Cities area qualifies, please share this and apply. Let’s make sure our fellow veterans get the help they’ve earned.

Some of our members have already filed by email and had responses within a few hours.

10/16/2026

Leave a message of encouragement for our military-connected founders heading to Cincinnati next week for DAV Patriot Boot Camp's alumni accelerator! These founders have already completed a Patriot Boot Camp cohort and are returning to build on that foundation, strengthen their businesses and connect with a community of fellow entrepreneurs.

DAV Patriot Boot Camp provides active-duty service members, veterans and their spouses with access to mentors, educational programming, and a robust community of experts and peers to help them grow impactful businesses. Learn more at patriotbootcamp.org.

We cannot wait to reunite with these founders and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next!

To assemble and activate an inclusive community that advances military members, veterans and military spouses in their mission to become creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs leading the new economy.

10/15/2026

Queen of Hearts update - no winner last Friday! The new jackpot is $11,750. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Drawing held by and benefitting Quad Cities Disabled American Veterans Chapter 53.

Thank you to everyone for supporting this fantastic group! See you all this Friday.

10/15/2026

The latest issue of the is now available, featuring stories about the people, programs and advocacy efforts making a difference for veterans and their families.

Inside this issue:

• A Purple Heart Vietnam veteran finally receives the benefits he earned
• New legislation addressing the Edgewood Arsenal human experiments
• How recreation therapy helped a paralyzed veteran restore hope
• A message from DAV’s new National Commander
• Information on The Dental Care for Veterans Act
• The supportive community behind DAV Patriot Boot Camp
• Highlights from the 2026 DAV & Auxiliary National Convention
• Part 2 of our look at 250 years of the American veteran
• The caregivers whose love inspires everything they do

Read the September/October issue of DAV Magazine: http://dav.la/3qi.

10/14/2026

It’s National Estate Planning Awareness Week! 📋 It’s the perfect time to create your legacy or review your existing plans to make sure your loved ones are protected.

Join DAV for a FREE legacy planning webinar at 3 p.m. (Eastern) on Oct. 20 to learn helpful estate planning tips, resources and ways to establish a legacy of supporting America’s veterans.

👉 Register today:

Thank you for your interest in our upcoming webinar, Plan Your Future with Confidence, on Tuesday, October 20 at 3:00 p.m. Please complete the form below to register. We'll send your webinar access information by email once your registration has been processed.

10/12/2026

DAV Field of Flags has been gaining momentum and soon flags will be waving proudly across America. We're incredibly grateful to the fundraisers, supporters and hosts who are helping make this program possible. Your efforts allow us to honor veterans in communities nationwide.

Haven't signed up yet? There's still time to register and raise donations to create a meaningful Veterans Day display in your community.

To learn more, visit

We are dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity

10/11/2026

🎣🇺🇸 WHAT A DAY! AND WHAT A GREAT WAY TO BUILD NEW FRIENDSHIPS! 🇺🇸🎣

Today, Quad Cities DAV Chapter #53 had the honor of being invited to a private lake in the Carlinville area of Macoupin County for a day of fishing with an incredible group of people!

All three veterans who signed up were able to enjoy a day out on the water, and the residents went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. The food was amazing, the camaraderie was fantastic, and the conversations and laughs made the day even more special!

For our chapter, this trip was about more than just fishing. Macoupin County, including the Carlinville area, is one of the communities where we are working to expand our outreach and connect with more veterans. Opportunities like this allow us to build relationships, meet wonderful people, and strengthen our connections with the communities we hope to serve.

We came for a day of fishing, but we left with new friendships, great memories, and a whole lot of appreciation for everyone who made this possible. ❤️

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who welcomed us, shared their time, prepared the incredible food, and went out of their way to make this experience so memorable for our veterans. Your kindness and generosity mean more than you know!

We are already looking forward to next year's fishing trip with this wonderful group! Hopefully, we'll be able to bring even more veterans along to enjoy the experience. 🎣

Quad Cities DAV Chapter #53 is committed to reaching more veterans and families throughout Macoupin County. Sometimes, the best way to build a stronger community is simply by spending time together, making friends, and showing our veterans that people care. 🇺🇸

Thank you again for an unforgettable day! We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

10/09/2026

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) needs more volunteer drivers for our Marion VA Medical Center. You do not have to be a DAV member or even a Veteran to volunteer drivers, just a person who cares and wants to help ensure those who served our country while in the military has the ability to get to their medical appointments when they get out. 🇺🇸 Please reach out to the contacts listed on the attachments! before self