DAV membership reaches all-time high.

The DAV's total membership has reached a record 5,264,181, proving the DAV is a vital force for a growing number of our nation's sick and disabled veterans.

Additionally, full paid life members have reached 953,656--a surge that reflects the DAV's commitment to its mission of service to disabled veterans and their families. It also shows the effective progress of the DAV's march toward I million fully paid life members.

"This record is a testament to our organization's strength in providing services, benefits, and a unified voice for our nation's wartime disabled," said Michael J. Walsh, National Membership Director. "Our recruiters have dedicated themselves to spreading our message, and I'm proud to report that their dedication has paid off."

The strength of the DAV's membership not only provides a healthy influx of leadership, support and visibility, but also lends weight to the DAV's advocacy efforts before Congress.

"This record-high membership fortifies the position of DAV advocates who are engaged in a daily struggle with our nation's elected leaders over issues such as mandatory funding for veterans' health care," said DAV National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson.

"When the DAV Legislative staff marches up the Hill to address Congress or meets privately with an elected official, they have a great sense of strength and confidence knowing they are speaking for more than 1,2 million men and women.

"These incredible membership numbers are the cornerstone for the DAV's success, and the men and women who helped us get here should be proud of their effort," Wilson said.

Walsh said the DAV has traditionally had a corps of competitive recruiters, whose personal goals and selfless dedication have boosted the DAV roll. He added that in recent years NSOs have stepped up to the plate like never before, adding a new dimension to their already outstanding service.

"The services provided by our NSOs and Department and Chapter Service Officers, DAV representatives in the VA Voluntary Service program, and the DAV Transportation Network are the tangible results of the DAV's deep sense of commitment to our mission," Walsh said. "These men and women are where the rubber meets the road. They do not rest on the DAV's excellent reputation. They expand it little by little each and every day in countless ways.

In addition to the services DAV provides, Walsh also believes the value of the DAV is increased by its Membership Benefits Package, which includes reduced fees for everything from legal advice, to Internet and long distance services.

"Any plan that can harness the excellence of such products as Macintosh computers, Ford vehicles, and Hickory Farms foods is bound to be successful," Walsh said. "We are proud of the Membership Benefits Package and grateful for the corporations and professionals whose participation makes the plan possible."

With the 2004-05 membership year underway, Walsh said recruiters and NSOs are already looking to move the bar higher.

"Disabled veterans are fighters. We are not ones to rest on past accomplishments or dwell on past challenges," Walsh said. "I have every confidence that our recruiters, Chapters, Departments, and NSOs are already out there looking to break this record."