DAV National Service Officers, our first line of assistance. (From The Auxiliary National Commander).

The DAV has a distinguished group of men and omen employed across the country as National Service Officers (NSOs). They are challenged every day to provide a variety of assistance to veterans and their dependents, many of whom had nowhere else to mm.

These dedicated NSOs have a passion for their position and have assisted countless veterans, their widows and orphans. Disabled veterans themselves, they are professionally trained to help veterans and their families in claims for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the armed forces, Social Security Administration, and other government agencies.

At the National Convention in Miami Beach, I introduced the Adopt-a-Service Officer Program (ASOP), a special program, to our Auxiliary members. The purpose of this program is to let our NSOs know how much we as Auxiliary members appreciate their hard work and dedication. Auxiliary Units have participated in the program by sending cards of thanks and good cheer as well as many other encouragements to our NSOs to let them know we are fully aware of their daily efforts. These are just small ways we can say thank you on behalf of veterans and their dependents.

While many Auxiliary Departments and Units are participating in the program, some remaining states do not yet have all of their NSOs adopted. I challenge you and your Unit to get involved if you haven't already. This is our opportunity to say thank you in a big way to every NSO, and with you help, we can do it.

Some states have found the program so successful that they have extended it to include state, county, and chapter service officers.

While ASOP is a great way to say thank you, it is also a very good communication tool. It identifies Auxiliary members and DAV NSOs to each other and provides us an opportunity to learn more about each other. Since a DAV NSO, Department Service Officer or Transition Service Officer is often the first person an Auxiliary member turns to in time of crisis or need, knowing who to mm to at such times is a great comfort and tremendous resource.

Sharing information such as an Auxiliary directory of Units, officers, meeting times and dates, and pertinent membership information with our service officers now can be of tremendous value when it is needed.

If you would like to know more about ASOP or other programs that the Auxiliary participates in, please contact our Auxiliary National Headquarters at the address above or check with your local Auxiliary Unit.

R. Renee Jones, DAV Auxiliary Natinal Commander, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076