Disabled American Veterans Portsmouth Federal Chapter 22 public page

11/04/2026

INVITATION: Marine Corps Security Force Regiment 251st Birthday Ball! 🇺🇸🦅⚓

Comrades, Marine veterans, and military families—the Marines and Sailors of Marine Corps Security Force Regiment have extended a special invitation to Chapter 22 and our local veteran community to join them in celebrating the 251st Marine Corps Birthday Ball!

This is a premier evening of military tradition, fellowship, and celebration uniting active-duty forces and veterans across Hampton Roads.

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BALL DETAILS

• Date: Friday, November 20, 2026

• Location: Virginia Beach Convention Center

• Address: 1000 19th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

• Timeline: Doors Open at 1800 (6:00 PM) | Last Call at 2300 (11:00 PM)

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TICKETS & REGISTRATION

Scan the appropriate QR code on the flyer to purchase tickets:

• Guest / Civilian Rate: $80
• SNCOs & Officers: $85
• NCOs: $80
• Junior Marines: $75

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UNIFORM & DRESS CODE

• Marines: Dress Blues
• Civilian Guests: Black Tie / Evening Formal

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HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

• Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Virginia Beach (1900 Pavilion Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451)
• Special Rate: $125/night
• Reservation: Scan the hotel QR code on the event graphic

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Let's represent Chapter 22 and celebrate 251 years of Marine Corps courage and commitment. Oorah!

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11/02/2026

HOMELESS VETERAN STAND DOWN: Support Our Brothers & Sisters in Need! 🇺🇸🤝

Comrades, Auxilians, and local supporters—winter is approaching, and many of our fellow veterans in Hampton Roads are facing difficult times without stable housing or basic necessities.

The Hampton VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) is organizing a Homeless Veteran Stand Down in Hampton on December 5th, and they are calling on our community for volunteers and essential supply donations.

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STAND DOWN EVENT DETAILS

• Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026

• Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

• Location: YH Thomas Community Center

• Address: 1200 Thomas Street, Hampton, VA 23666

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VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED

We need volunteers on the ground to support our comrades:

• Friday, Dec 4 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Setup crew
• Saturday, Dec 5 (7:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Veteran escorts, breakdown, and cleanup

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DONATION DRIVE WISH LIST

Please consider donating these high-priority items:

• Coats: New or gently used (please ensure used coats are laundered)
• Unisex sweatpants (with drawstrings) and sweatshirts
• New socks and underwear
• Backpacks or duffle bags
• Sleeping bags, air mattresses, and sheet sets
• Wallets (preferably with chains)
• Document holders
• 1-Day bus passes
• Hygiene items (high need for deodorant and African American hair care items)

Monetary Gifts: Cash or checks can be submitted directly to the VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE).

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DONATION DROP-OFF LOCATION & TIMES

Drop off supplies directly at YH Thomas Community Center:
• Friday, Dec 4: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday, Dec 5: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

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HOW TO HELP / CONTACT INFO

To volunteer or confirm donation details, contact Verneka Hudson:
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (757) 912-3221

Let's rally Chapter 22 and show what veterans helping veterans is all about. Please Like, Comment, and Share this post across Portsmouth and Hampton Roads!

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11/02/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7DhHcj1jE4

11/02/2026

Greetings Comrades,

It's that time of year again, so don't forget to "fall back" and set your clocks back an hour before you go to bed.

Here is an update from our General Business Meeting (GBM) held on October 22, 2026:

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CHAPTER UPDATES & HIGHLIGHTS

• Membership: 948 strong!

• Veterans Assisted: 221 veterans assisted by our Service Officers in September.

• Forget-Me-Not Fundraiser 2026: The total amount raised was $2,327.00, surpassing our 2025 campaign by $325.00. Mega thanks to all who contributed and volunteered!

• Women Veterans Committee: The 2026 Women Veterans Retreat held on September 26th at Rivers Casino was a great success.

• Refreshments: Many thanks to DAVA Unit 22 and all who pitched in to provide and serve refreshments at our last GBM!

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SICKNESS & DISTRESS

Please keep the following Comrades, individuals, and their families in your thoughts and prayers:

• Gail Cahoon (recovering from a fall)
• Chris Cheney (Department Judge Advocate, passed away on 10/07/2026)
• John Simmons' brother-in-law (passed away on 10/03/2026)
• Commander Michele Hinton (recovering from foot surgery)

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS & APPLICANTS

Welcome to our new member applicants, new members, and transfer applicants:

Nathaniel C. Purdie, Teddy Harre, Kimberly Kaiser, Clarence L. Zimmerman, Lonnie J. Hodges, LeRoy Smith, Elisha T. Swindell, and Maurice L. Wright.

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ADVOCACY & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

• DAV Commander’s Action Network (CAN): If you haven't signed up yet, please take a moment to join. This platform empowers you to let your congressional representatives know where you stand on key veteran legislation. Family and friends can sign up as well—the more voices they hear, the more they listen.

• Exercise Your Right: Please exercise your constitutional right as a citizen and remember to VOTE on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

• Local Veterans Assistance Program (LVAP): Chapter 22 & Unit 22 recorded a combined 1,375 volunteer hours for September 2026! We know many of you are assisting veterans and their families without logging it. Please report all volunteer hours to DAV National 4th Jr. Vice Commander Denice Williams so our Chapter receives full credit.

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UPCOMING DATES & CDCE EVENTS

• Flu Shots at Hampton VAMC:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 0800 – 1500
- Thursday: 0800 – 1200

• Local Group Walk (DAV 5K): Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Chesapeake City Park (0900). Come walk, run, or roll with us!

• Hampton VAMC Veterans Day Ceremony: Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM on the Historic Lawn. Everyone is invited!

• Next Chapter 22 GBM: Thursday, November 19, 2026. Mark your calendars!

• Homeless Veterans Stand Down: Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 0830 – 1230 at the Y.H. Thomas Community Center (1300 Thomas St, Hampton, VA).

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Stay connected with us! Visit, like, follow, and share our Chapter page (search: DAV Chapter 22).

See y'all soon!

James Werts, Jr.
CSO, DAV Chapter 22

Send a message to learn more

10/29/2026

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Transportation & Logistics Paths for Veterans! 🇺🇸🚢✈️🚛

Comrades, family members, and job seekers—if you are exploring civilian employment or planning your transition from uniform, look closely at America's transportation sector.

Right here in Hampton Roads and across the country, military experience in logistics, aviation maintenance, deck operations, and heavy vehicle operations is in massive demand.

The VA and the Department of Transportation have highlighted key federal programs created to fast-track veterans into high-paying civilian roles:

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WHERE THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE

• FAA Aviation Roles: Fast-track pathways for air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, logistics coordinators, and transitioning military pilots. Explore openings: https://www.faa.gov/jobs

• Maritime & Shipyard Trades: MARAD offers military credential assistance, fee waivers, and direct routes into Merchant Marine, commercial shipping, and shipyard support: https://www.maritime.dot.gov/maritime-workforce

• Commercial Trucking (Freedom Haulers): Streamlined CDL waivers for veterans with military heavy vehicle experience: https://freedomhaulers.dot.gov/

• Veteran Business Contracting: Dedicated matchmaking summits for veteran entrepreneurs entering transportation supply chains.

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READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Check out the full overview of programs, resources, and video insights here:
https://news.va.gov/150458/transportation-careers-move-veterans-forward/

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NEED HELP NAVIGATING TRANSITION OR VA BENEFITS?

DAV Chapter 22 Service Officers are available in Portsmouth to assist veterans and families at no cost. Call our office at (757) 465-7300 or (757) 465-8658 to connect.

Please Like, Comment, and Share this post to help our fellow brothers and sisters across Portsmouth and Hampton Roads connect with great civilian careers!

VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence hosted the DOT Deputy Secretary to explore the wide range of transportation careers available to Veterans.

10/28/2026

DAV CHAPTER 22 LOCAL GROUP WALK: Saturday, Nov 7! 🇺🇸👟

Comrades, family members, and supporters—come walk with us!

Join Chapter 22 members, families, and friends at Chesapeake City Park as we walk together to honor our fellow veterans. Whether you want to take a leisurely single lap or complete the full 3.1 miles (5K), the park features a flat, fully paved course that is completely accessible to all.

Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes, and show your pride by sporting your DAV gear, branch of service colors, or waving the American flag!

Click on the link for donations!

https://support.dav.org/teams/22-is-just-for-you

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EVENT DETAILS

• Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026

• Time: 0900 (9:00 AM)

• Location: Chesapeake City Park

• Address: 900 City Park Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23320

• Note: If inclement weather occurs, the group walk will not take place.

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PARTICIPATION & DAV VIRTUAL 5K

You DO NOT have to be a registered team member to come out and participate in the walk—everyone is welcome!

However, if you would like to help us raise funds to support ill and injured veterans and their families, we invite you to join our virtual team: "22's Just for You." Anyone can register or donate to support our Chapter team members.

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CHAPTER 22 SERVICE OFFICER HOURS

Need assistance with VA claims or benefits? Chapter Service Officers are available at our Portsmouth office at (757) 465-7300 or (757) 465-8658:

• Monday: 0900 – 1200
• Wednesday: 0900 – 1200
• Thursday: 1400 – 1800
• Friday: 0900 – 1200

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Help us make this a great morning of fellowship and fitness for our local veteran community! Please Like, Comment, and Share this post across Portsmouth and Hampton Roads. Hope to see you there!



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10/25/2026

Hampton VA Breast Cancer Awareness Health Fair: Friday, Oct 30! 🌸🎗️

Comrades, family members, and supporters—protecting our health begins with knowledge, regular screenings, and community support.

The Hampton VA Medical Center is hosting its Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Health Fair at Building 83. Stop by to learn about early detection, access vital wellness resources, and take part in a great day of awareness and support.

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EVENT INFORMATION

• Date: Friday, October 30, 2026

• Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Location: Hampton VA Medical Center Campus, Building 83

• Campus Address: 100 Emancipation Drive, Hampton, VA 23667

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WHAT TO EXPECT

• Comprehensive breast health educational materials

• Veteran wellness and health navigation support

• The return of the Annual Bra-ha-ha contest

• Sentara Mobile Mammography Van on site providing mammograms for facility staff

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Together, we can make a difference. Help us share these essential health resources across Portsmouth and Hampton Roads—give this post a Like, leave a Comment, and Share it to your page!

10/22/2026

Three new members sworn in by Commander Hinton.

10/22/2026

What's for refreshments today? It's a spooky mystery. You have to come and investigate.

10/22/2026

REMINDER!
Greetings Comrades,

Just a quick reminder that our monthly General Business Meeting is tonight...refreshments at 1800, followed immediately by our meeting. We will have a guess speaker who will school us on the topic of "wills" and maybe "trusts" as well. I'm sure we either know or heard of someone who failed to put down on paper what their wishes were as to the disposition of their estate, and the chaos left behind for their family. Don't be that person...come, listen, learn, and act.

If you have become a new member to Chapter 22 over the Summer, or if you don't remember taking the oath of obligation, please be in attendance so that you can complete the process.

See you tonight!

J. Werts, Jr
CSO

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