MILITARY BROTHERHOOD: DAV: July 2013 Newsletter

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Welcome to midsummer, a time when national pride is strong and life feels promising for most Americans.

But for many of our fellow veterans, who sacrificed their blood and their health to protect our way of life, the day-to-day may not always be as pleasant, Roger— at least not without DAV.

DAV helps veterans restart their lives and meets the ongoing needs that follow as time goes on throughout our lives. But, as always, this great mission needs the backing of the veterans our organization serves — veterans like you.

Keeping those promises!

J. Marc Burgess
DAV National Adjutant

Military Families' Children at Greater Risk

The list of sacrifices made by veterans and their dependents keeps growing, and that explains why DAV worries so much about veterans’ families. The American Academy of Pediatrics reported that one in four children of active-duty service members shows symptoms of depression, one in three experiences excessive worrying, and half have trouble sleeping.

Biological Proof of Gulf War Illness Found

Recent studies indicate Gulf War illness is caused by neurological damage to brain sections associated with heart rate and pain. Symptoms vary but can include short-term memory loss, increased sensitivity to pain and fatigue. Veterans have reported these symptoms since the 1990s.

Claims Processing Pace Picks Up

A stepped-up plan to handle veterans’ backlogged claims has resulted in a 10-percent reduction in recent weeks. VA claims processors working overtime have sliced into the claims pile, moving the oldest to the head of the line. Among the cleared claims were 65,000 cases that had been outstanding for two years.

Ford Sends WWII Veterans to War Memorial

The Ford Motor Company Fund sponsored an Honor Flight for World War II veterans from Kentucky to visit the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., on the 69th anniversary of D-Day. The company also made a $200,000 grant to DAV to add seven more Fords to its fleet for veterans’ transportation needs.

VA Grants Better Healthcare for Women Veterans

Earlier this year the VA announced plans to award 32 new grants to increase the access to healthcare across the nation for women veterans, the fastest-growing demographic. The grants will expand medical residency training in gynecology and emergency obstetrics, military sexual trauma (MST), and breast health.

Be Their Stronghold

Summer is a wonderful time, it’s true. But it’s also a tough time to focus people’s attention on the needs of the veterans like you, who paid the price of the freedoms we celebrated a couple weeks ago on the Fourth of July. That’s why I’m calling on you today, Roger! When you sign up for DAV membership, you'll help make sure you, your fellow veterans, and our long-suffering families are never forgotten!