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DAV leaders and members converge on Capitol Hill to advocate for Veterans during the 2026 Mid-Winter Conference.
Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary, Hon. Paul Lawrence, notified the DAV delegation that the February 17th "interim final rule" on rating and compensation changes was being permanently rescinded. He stated that the decision was made primarily because of the outcry from Veteran Service Organizations (DAV, VFW, Legion, AMVETS, MOAA, and others) as well as direct feedback to the VA from Veterans across the nation.
Your voice counts! WELL DONE, VETERANS!
DAV National Commander Coleman Nee and National Adjutant & CEO Barry Jesinoski discussed the importance of advocacy, keeping informed on issues that affect the Veteran community, and the need for members to go out into their communities to serve and demonstrate the value of DAV.
DAV National Commander Coleman Nee laid out the Critical Policy Goals for the 119th Congress before the Joint Committee on Veterans Affairs February 24th. Supporting him was a sea of DAV leaders and members from around the nation. See the video HERE
Jon Retzer and the amazing DAV National Legislative Team discussed issues in the Halls of Congress and opportunities for members to join the advocacy by submitting resolutions for the upcoming 2026 National Convention and the fall session of Congress.
Scott Hope and the superb National Service Program Team discussed serving our Veteran community and helping Veterans--especially our older Veterans--avoid scams targeted at them.
DAV National Deputy Inspector General Ryan Burgos discussed the importance of knowing and understanding Bylaws and Regulations, especially regarding AFRs and OERs. Nearly 400 Chapters and Departments were suspended for not complying with submittal requirements. Many Chapters lost their privilege for ongoing fundraisers, such as bar/lounge, bingo, thrift store, and lottery operations, because of failing to fulfill the 10% requirement in NEC 4. National IG Ed Hartman also announced his retirement.
DAV National Caregiver Support Program Director Ron Minter presented information on the many aspects of the DAV program that set it apart from VA Caregiver programs. You don't need to be enrolled in the VA to get support from the DAV Caregiver Support Program, the DAV program is more responsive to Veteran needs, especially in urgent cases, and being helped by the DAV program does not threaten you VA benefits, such as Aid & Attendance or PCAFC.
DAV National Communication Director Rob Lewis and Chief Communications & Outreach Officer Dan Clare are two of the most important people to get to know. Why? Because they and their staff are proven experts on getting the DAV message out and can help you do the same at Department of Chapter level!
The Program Director from Oracle Health, which absorbed former VA contractor Cerner, discussed the importance of electronic health record development and cross agency compatibility. The new system will even allow civilian providers to upload your records directly into your VA file. There are 5 VA locations in the Midwest currently being outfitted with the new EHR program, with an aggressive project plan to have the modernized EHR system in all VA healthcare centers.
You never know who you will run into at National events! Pictured here with Past Chapter Commander and current Department Adjutant & CEO Carl Forkner is his good friend Leena Dees from Department of Texas. She has written dozens of resolutions and so far this year has recruited over 180 new members for DAV and DAVA.
If you have not attended a National Convention or other National conference, it is well worth the time to get there! Orlando, FL 2026!
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