Garry Augustine appointed deputy national service director.

With the approval of National Commander Alan W. Bowers, National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson has appointed Garry J. Augustine as Deputy National Service Director.

"We Offer him our sincere congratulations in his new position, knowing that lie will continue to carry out his new responsibilities with the same sense of pride and professionalism that has marked his career at DAV," Mr. Wilson said.

As Deputy National Set-vice Director, Augustine will play a key role in the day-to-day operations and oversight of the DAV's National Service Program, which employs some 200 National Service Officers in 70 offices throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

A combat-disabled Vietnam veteran, Augustine was appointed Assistant National Service Director in August 2002, joining the DAV's management staff at National Service and Legislative Headquarters in Washington, D.C. In addition to his extensive experience and technical expertise as a National Service Officer for more than 15 years, he is a recognized leader within the DAV and has made significant contributions as a member of the DAV National Service Advisory Committee.

Augustine joined the DAV professional staff in 1988 as a National Service Officer trainee in Cleveland, Ohio. Following his training, he remained at the Cleveland office where he was promoted to Assistant Supervisor in 1997 and was appointed Supervisor in 2000.

The Cleveland native en enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1969 and was later assigned to the 198th Infantry Brigade in South Vietnam. He was severely wounded by a land mine explosion while ell a combat patrol operation In the Batangan Peninsula in April 1970. His injuries resulted in the loss of use of his left hand and left foot, multiple shrapnel wounds to his body, and the loss of his spleen. Due to the extent of his injuries, he was medically discharged from the Army in December 1972.

After leaving military service, Augustine earned a bachelor's degree front Ohio University in 1978 and master's degree in sociology at Cleveland State University in 14181.

"As Garry Augustine assumes his new duties and responsibilities, we know that lie will continue to meet with success in his chosen career as an advocate for disabled veterans and their families," said National Service Director Randy Reese.