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There were so many exciting experiences to enjoy on at the 2021 DAV National Convention. This included recognition of Combat-wounded Vietnam War Veteran Andrew Marshall, who was unanimously elected national commander of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
I invite you to read on to learn more about some of the featured highlights featured here.
by: Rev. James G.W. Fisher |
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The Burn Pits
While it's not realistic or even productive to feature everything from the opening ceremony, I would like to focus on highlights that I feel deserve attention. The first of these was Commander Whitehead who advocated for Veterans in passing of "The Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act 2021." This act now helps Veterans find it easier now to prove their service connection for being exposed to a wide range of chemicals and toxins from the burn pits. |
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Any Veteran who served near the burn pits is all too familiar with the chronic respiratory conditions associated with particulate inheritance from the burn pits.
Many forms of cancer have been associated with the dioxins associated with the burn pits. The main dioxin released by the burn pits is TCDD, also a dioxin found in Agent Orange. TCDD has not only been linked to Cancer but a number of other serious illnesses. |
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Race and Gender Inequity
The DAV has an active effort in fighting inequity for treatment of women and minority Veterans in the VA system. What makes this task an immense challenge is the rapidly increasing shift in diversity and population of the Veterans being served. In today's society, the formerly predominant white male population of Veterans has changed.
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As the diversity of the population changes, so do the needs accordingly. "Black, Latino, and other ethnic minorities now comprise about 20% of VA’s patient population; women veterans make up around 10% and an estimated 5% identify as LGBTQ"
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A perfect example of the population changes in the VA system as a whole, is that some Veterans, including women and LGBTQ Veterans, report delaying or foregoing VA care. Their reasoning behind their decision is they experience harassment or 'perceive' care environments as 'unwelcoming or threatening'. Native American Veterans and certain other ethnic groups have significantly lower utilization of VA benefits than other groups and often 'perceive' there are disparities in disability compensation decisions in comparison to non-minority veterans.
All Veterans today have the comfort of knowing the DAV is always active in the fight for fighting inequity and strengthening of Veterans heath care and will continue to be there to enforce Veterans rights.
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Impact On Veterans Benefits
One of the greater highlights as far as Veterans were concerned, is how the DAV has been and continues to be the nationwide leader in helping their clients with support in obtaining the benefits.
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While the Veterans I interviewed had their benefits as one of their highest priorities of discussion, that was easily surpassed by the need for disaster relief.
The DAV has a well structured program to help fulfill the needs of Veterans who suffer from natural disasters and other unexpected events. The DAV is seen by the Veterans I spoke with as being "...the leader of the pack, really giving a damn where others failed." |
According to National Legislative Director Joy Ilem, “Even amidst a global pandemic, DAV leaders fight every day in Washington to ensure Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs hear the collective voice of DAV members,”
Veterans at the 2021DAV National Convention I spoke with made it clear they are proud to be members of the DAV. As one retired Marine Corp Veteran put it, "...it's because people like that don't just blow smoke, he get serious and make a difference for us all." |
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Disaster Relief
While the Veterans I interviewed had their benefits as one of their highest priorities of discussion, that was easily surpassed by the need for disaster relief. I was astounded at the stories shared by Veterans at the conventions who were either victims of natural disasters and other challenges or spoke of a fellow Veteran, who the DAV was there to support which they needed help the most. |
| The DAV has a well structured program to help fulfill the needs of Veterans who suffer from natural disasters and other unexpected events. The DAV is seen by the Veterans I spoke with as being "...the leader of the pack, really giving a damn where others failed." |
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| According to National Legislative Director Joy Ilem, “Even amidst a global pandemic, DAV leaders fight every day in Washington to ensure Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs hear the collective voice of DAV members,” Veterans at the 2021 National Convention I spoke with made it clear they are proud to be members of the DAV. As one retired Marine Corp Veteran put it, "...it's because people like that don't just blow smoke, he get serious and make a difference for us all." |
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Van Transportation
It was amazing to me when I discovered during discussion with Veterans following the opening ceremony, just how huge the DAV Van program is. "DAV operates a fleet of vehicles around the country to provide free transportation to VA medical facilities for injured and ill veterans."
"DAV stepped in to help veterans get the care they need when the federal government terminated its program that helped many of them pay for transportation to and from medical facilities. The vans are driven by volunteers, and the rides coordinated by more than 155 Hospital Service Coordinators around the country." |
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Did you know that practically every Veteran I have spoken to since the 2021 National Convention until now, had never even heard of a DAV Van program!
To my amazement I have had a grand total of 3 Veterans locally who when asked if they were aware of the DAV Van program, were quite aware of it's existence and even explained not all VA facilities have it available! |
The drivers for the DAV Van program demonstrate the dedication to their fellow Veterans and unselfish compassion to assist other Veterans who are disabled and in need. That is true dedication that deserves the highest recognition.
Use the DAV Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact your nearest HSC for information or assistance in your area. |
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DAV Auxiliary @ 2021 DAV National Convention
At 2021 DAV National Convention would not be the same without the DAV Auxiliary, DAVA, a vital part of the DAV community at large. Newly elected officers were present for the proceedings and shared their vision for the future in 2021.
One woman of Auxiliary group I was speaking to made it so simple for me to share the definition of The Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary (DAVA) quite simply. "The Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary (DAVA) provides a wide range of helpful services to disabled veterans and their families. Some of these programs include Community Service, Junior Activities, Legislative, and VA Voluntary Services."
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The folks in the image provided at right, symbolize the serious dedication of members of the DAVA at the 2021 DAV National Convention.
(Image provided via the courtesy of attendee from the convention.) |
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In my querying members of the DAVA, I discovered that not all chapter Auxiliaries are the same. The size of memberships within each chapter has strong influence as to what level of participation and services in your community are available from the Auxiliary. |
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The Final Takeaway
Considering the diversity of information and experience at 2021 DAV National Convention, to even consider trying to feature everything would be simply ludicrous and non productive. This created a dilemma to identify how best to present my experience for others to enjoy. |
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The solution to my challenge was realistically so simple. The attendees and vendors at the convention were the source to draw from. It was my experience with them that helped me in establishing an outline of highlights from the convention.
An epiphany was formed in my mind, to create a final takeaway from this article. This takeaway encompasses multiple realms of thought, presentation and experience. |
A collage of imagery, details in print and encapsulation of seminars pooled collectively for you to experience here is the final takeaway. You will find even more highlights on the main page of this article collection.
For further information about the entire convention, you can go to the DAV & Auxiliary Joint Opening Session to start. There you will find an abundance of details and additional information / sources to learn from. |
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Rev. Fisher is the spinLife Freedom Foundation director with a wide background of skills from post graduate study, employment and hands-on experience. He also serves as Chaplain for the DAV Black Mountain Chapter #12 in Henderson, NV.
Learn more about Rev. Fisher |
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