A time for sharing.

In this holiday season, we give thanks for our many blessings, and it is a time of sharing with family and friends. Some of us will travel great distances to be with those we love as we celebrate the holidays. But not everyone will be with loved ones this holiday season. Our hearts go out to the many thousands of our fellow citizens displaced by the hurricanes which devastated the Gulf Coast region and to the men and women serving in our military, especially those in dangerous and far away places.

And while many Americans are asking how they can help the hurricane victims and show their support for service members, I feel personally fortunate to be a part of an organization so rich in the tradition of serving others. Every one of you can take pride in your work with the DAV and the Auxiliary.

Our commitment to service really came to the fore in the aftermath of the recent hurricanes. With the tremendous cooperation of Chapters and Departments and individual members, our National Service Officers were able to provide disaster relief to more than 2,000 disabled veterans and their families. And that number is expected to climb as time goes on.

As I witness the many ways our members help build better lives for disabled veterans and their families, I am reminded of what Leo Tolstoy believed so deeply: "The vocation of every man and woman is to serve other people."

Of course, many of us volunteer at VA hospitals helping brighten the lives of sick and disabled veterans, which is even more important during the holidays. But helping these veterans is a year-round calling. So, I urge you to encourage others in your community to become a regular volunteer, as well.

Many of our members also are reaching out to military families in the community, especially those with a loved one overseas. This year, the holiday season will be a difficult time for them, and your warmth will be a welcome gift.

Earlier this year, the DAV signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Guard Bureau Family Programs Office that opens the door to new opportunities for us to assist military families.

As part of this new partnership, our Departments and Chapters will play an active role in providing community support for our citizen-soldiers and their families through volunteer activities at their focal National Guard Family Assistance Centers. And I can't think of a better time than this holiday season to show our men and women protecting our freedom that we love them and are thankful of all they do.

So, yes, there are many ways we can put DAV Service and Advocacy in Action.

It is through the efforts of the devoted, caring, and talented members of our wonderful organization that we fulfill our mission of service and hope.

The new year promises many new challenges and opportunities for us all, and I look forward to exploring them with you. I hope you will share my resolution for the coming year to make our organization an inviting, hospitable environment that welcomes all and energizes us to fulfill our mission.

You have my best wishes for a safe and joyous holiday season. And please make the most of this opportunity to relax and enjoy the holidays and to share our many blessings with family and friends.

Paul W. Jackson, National Commander