NORTHJERSEY . COM | WEDNESDAY , NOVEMBER 11 , 2020 | 7
TRIBUTE TO VETERANS
VETERANS NEWS & NOTES
DAV Provides a Century Of Care for Disabled Veterans
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We honor Captain Gregory S . Backer and all who have ever served our proud country .
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Remember all our Veterans , returning Combat Troops , Wounded Veterans , Gold Star Families and Honor Our Fallen Heroes !
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SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
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From a World War I veteran who lost both legs to a Vietnam vet suffering the effects of Agent Orange to a young Marine with post-traumatic stress disorder finding her way after returning home from Afghanistan — many of America ’ s veterans live with physical , mental and emotional injuries that impact their lives as a result of military service .
They often need support with things such as navigating the complex Department of Veterans Affairs system to access veteran benefits , including health care and education benefits or identifying employment opportunities after military service . And because of their service-connected health conditions , they can be particularly vulnerable during health epidemics and economic downturns .
Fortunately , DAV ( Disabled American Veterans ) has been providing a century of care to help disabled veterans of all generations adjust to life back home . For the last 100 years , this nonprofit organization has offered a range of services from assisting veterans in accessing the benefits earned through their service to finding meaningful employment and supporting their families . DAV has continued to evolve and provide new care as veterans ’ needs have changed . However , one tradition remains a constant : DAV ’ s services are provided to veterans and their families at no cost or obligation to them .
DAV ’ s benefits advocates are located nationwide to assist veterans with accessing the health care , financial , disability and educational benefits they ’ ve earned . For those needing guidance on the transition to civilian life , DAV advocates provide benefits counseling at nearly 100 military installations throughout the country . They also assist veterans with filing initial claims for their VA benefits , as well as providing everyday support .
DAV is also committed to ensuring our nation ’ s warriors have the tools , resources and opportunities they need to competitively enter the job market and secure meaningful employment . DAV helps facilitate more than 144 career fairs annually , including virtual and live events to connect veterans with employers who are committed to hiring them . DAV offers advice to job seekers on how to succeed in their careers while educating companies on the value they bring to the workforce . To find a schedule of DAV ’ s career fairs , go to jobs . dav . org .
DAV also helps address the underlying issues of homelessness . Studies show that PTSD is a leading contributor to the homelessness of nearly 40,000 American veterans , with another 1.4 million at risk . DAV ’ s Homeless Veterans
Initiative promotes partnership between the organization and federal , state , county and local governments to develop programs to assist homeless veterans in becoming self-sufficient .
When natural disasters strike , from hurricanes to wildfires , the DAV team is on the ground to help our heroes . DAV provides financial assistance to help eligible veterans and their families secure food , warm clothes and shelter and distributes supply kits with basic comfort items . In the past five years alone , the program has provided more than $ 3.6 million to assist nearly 10,000 victims .
Another growing need , particularly for the aging veteran population , is transportation to medical appointments .
PHOTO COURTESY OF DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
From World War I through today , America ’ s veterans get help , advice and support from DAV , celebrating its 100 th anniversary in 2020 .
Since 1987 , DAV has organized no-cost rides with volunteer drivers to get veterans to their scheduled care at VA medical facilities . During this time , DAV has donated 3,678 vehicles at a cost of nearly $ 85 million to the program and has provided more than 615,000 rides annually .
For those needing a little household assistance or other services , DAV also offers a searchable online database , VolunteerforVeterans . org , where veterans and their caregivers can find the help they need , from local volunteers for basic tasks like doing yardwork or running errands .
Since 1920 , DAV has been a leader in strengthening federal programs , benefits , health care and transition services for the men and women who served , their families and survivors . Its advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill are guided by DAV members through the adoption of resolutions at its national convention , and last year , with the strength of more than 1 million members , nearly 40 of these critical priorities were included in legislation , with five becoming law .
Provided by NAPSI