Wars and scars—those are the hard facts of history that brought about the creation
of the Disabled American Veterans. Compassion and service—those are the tools with
which the DAV responds to our Nation’s disabled veterans and their families.
This great organization was formed as our country struggled to deal with the painful
effects of World War I. At this moment our Nation is struggling once again with
the impact of war—as American men and women face combat in Iraq, Afghanistan, and
other nations.
A great deal has changed in the 85 years since the DAV was founded, but this much
has remained the same: those who come home from war wounded and sick need the care
and attention of a grateful nation. And our Nation’s citizens have an organization
they can trust to serve as their vehicle of compassion for their wartime disabled
veterans. Through the DAV, they can fully express their appreciation and their concerns
for those whose bodies and minds have been forever scarred by war.
But the story on the pages that follow—the history of the Disabled American Veterans—is
not a story of able-bodied people taking care of handicapped veterans. While it
is certainly true that the American people have been invaluable partners in the
DAV’s mission, the work of our organization has been a self-help proposition since
the beginning. The DAV—disabled veterans helping disabled veterans—continues working
cohesively to build better lives for all disabled veterans and their families!
Preface
Page 1
Chapter 1
Pencils on Street Corners
(PDF)
Page 3
The Beginning of the DAV
Page 6
Chapter 2
A National Organization is Born
(PDF)
Page 11
Triumphant First Convention
Page 13
From High Principles to Hard Work
Page 15
DAV Auxiliary Founded
Page 17
Fundraising Progress
Page 18
Chapter 3
Bonus Marchers & False Economies
(PDF)
Page 21
Chartered by Congress
Page 24
Identotags: A Fundraising Breakthrough
Page 25
Chapter 4
The Most Costly War
(PDF)
Page 24
Responding to a New Generation
Page 30
Chapter 5
Korea and the Cold War
(PDF)
Page 35
Chapter 6
The Longest War
(PDF)
Page 39
The DAV & Vietnam Veterans
Page 42
A New National Headquarters
Page 45
Chapter 7
Changing of the Guard
(PDF)
Page 49
Chapter 8
New Wars and a New Era
(PDF)
Page 55
Years of Change and Growth
Page 58
Chapter 9
The Gulf War Legacy
(PDF)
Page 65
Defining Moment
Page 68
New Beginnings, New Success
Page 70
Chapter 10
Decade of Excellence
(PDF)
Page 73
Building the Future
Page 75
The Academy
Page 77
Washington Battles
Page 78
Building Up Programs of Service
Page 80
Increasing Support
Page 84
The Fight For Justice
Page 86
Chapter 11
The New Century and War on Terror
(PDF)
Page 89
War in Iraq
Page 98
Building the Volunteer Legacy
Page 100
Keeping Memory Alive
Page 102
Seal of Approval
Page 106
Chapter 12
Century of Hope
(PDF)
Page 111
Annex
National Adjutant Terms
Page 117
National Commander Terms
Page 121
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