Honor roll donors support future service.

There are 14 plaques covered with brass plates on a wall on the first floor at National Service and Legislative Headquarters in Washington, D.C. They bear the names of those who made it their mission to provide continued financial support to ensure services to all disabled veterans through the DAV National Service Foundation (NSF) Perpetual Rehabilitation Fund.

Names such as the DAV Auxiliary National Headquarters; Larry Barnett, Major League Umpire; Clyde A. Klostermann; R. John Riggins; the National Order of Trench Rats and numerous Departments and Chapters adorn the brass plates. Each publicly recognizes a minimum contribution of $5,000 and a star is added beside each donor's name at increments of $10,000, $25,000, $50,000 and $100,000. Contributions of $200,000 or more are symbolized with five stars.

The plaques represent the Grand Memorial Honor Roll donors and are but the tip of spear of those who, through the years, continue to contribute to the NSF to make sure DAV service continues to be the best in the world.

They include $100 donors who proudly carry wallet recognition cards noting their contribution; those who contribute $250 and proudly display their Distinguished Donor Certificate; and donors of $1,000 or more who are awarded an engraved Commendation Plaque. There's even a Certificate of Commitment presented to Chapters and Auxiliary Units that donate at least $1 for each member on their mils. Departments merit the Certificate for Contributions of at least $10 for each of their Chapters during the year. This makes the NSF awards program truly available for everyone to participate with a tax deductible gift.

Every individual or group who contributes is part of the team that makes the NSF possible, and they all do it because they are convinced service is what builds better lives for America's disabled veterans and their families. Some contribute because they received needed service from a DAV National Service Officer; others because a relative or friend received service; and still others contribute because of a simple desire to feel confident DAV services will be there for disabled veterans and their families even beyond the donor's lifetime.

The accomplishments of the NSF are published in a report each year. The 2006 report accomplishment highlights include grants awarded through The Colorado Trust to support DAV's National Transportation Network, Hospital Service Coordinator and Department Service Officer programs. The National Service Program also receives support from the Foundation to assist our professional NSOs as they carry out their mission of service in sites throughout the nation and Puerto Rico.

In addition to 2006 financials, the annual report also includes an Honor Roll of Benefactors who financially support DAV's mission of service. The Honor Roll takes up 32 pages of the 40-page report. The generous support of these donors and others through the years is reflected in the quality professional services being delivered to countless veterans and their families-services that will be there day after day into the future.

If you would like to contribute to the National Service Foundation, please use the form accompanying this article. You may also learn more about the Foundation and make a contribution using a form available on the Internet at www.dav.org/nsf.