Disabled American Veterans

Overview

The Disabled American Veterans is a nonprofit organization chartered by the United States Congress. Its mission is to assist disabled military veterans of the United States Armed Forces and their families through various means. It currently has over 1 million members and operates as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization.

History

The organization was originally founded as the Disabled American Veterans of the World War (DAVWW) in 1920 by a group of World War I veterans. It was created to address the lack of governmental support for disabled veterans returning from the war. Many of these veterans were blind, deaf, or mentally ill, and over 204,000 Americans in uniform were wounded during the conflict.

The idea to form the organization arose at a Christmas party in 1919, hosted by Cincinnati Superior Court Judge Robert Marx, a U.S. Army captain and World War I veteran who had been injured in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in November 1918[1][2]. Although it had been functional for some months by that time, the DAVWW was officially created on September 25, 1920, at its first National Caucus in Hamilton County Memorial Hall in Cincinnati, Ohio[1][2].

Expansion and Development

• First National Convention: The DAVWW held its first national convention in Detroit, Michigan, on June 27, 1921, at which time Marx was appointed the first national commander[1][2].
• Women’s Auxiliary: In 1922, a women's auxiliary organization was founded to support the efforts of the DAVWW[1][2].
• Federal Charter: The organization was issued a federal charter by Congress on June 17, 1932, recognizing it as the official voice of America’s wartime disabled veterans[1][2].
• Name Change: With the onset of World War II, the organization officially changed its name to Disabled American Veterans to reflect its expanded role in supporting veterans from new conflicts[1][2].

Programs and Services

The DAV provides services free of charge through a nationwide network of offices, including:

• Benefits Assistance: Helps veterans navigate the VA system and apply for benefits.
• Employment Support: Offers job training and career counseling for veterans.
• Mental Health Resources: Provides counseling and support for veterans dealing with PTSD and other challenges[3].

Organizational Structure

The DAV is structured with various subsidiaries and departments, including the DAV Auxiliary and the DAV Auxiliary Juniors. It publishes DAV Magazine to keep members informed about issues affecting disabled veterans.

Legacy and Impact

Today, the Disabled American Veterans continues to empower veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It has helped millions of veterans and their families, and its impact is felt in communities across the United States[3].