Improvements reward volunteers of all ages.

It is close to impossible to describe the value of the DAV's dedicated corps of volunteers. After all, you can't quantify the millions of miles driven by Transportation Network drivers or easily sum up the kind words, tireless dedication. and constant enthusiasm displayed by the men and women who give freely of their own time in order to assist disabled veterans in VA medical facilities.

But in an effort to improve the way it says "thank you" to its volunteers, the DAV has revamped and improved its Volunteer Recognition Program

The newly improved program replaces the smaller tokens of thanks offered to DAV volunteers who reach various milestones of service with a choice of new exciting items.

For example, a volunteer driver would have been eligible for a DAV hat after driving 500 miles to get disabled veterans to and from VA medical appointments. Now, that same driver would be eligible for a DAV water-tight cooler, fleece scarf, insulated traveler mug, embroidered beanie cap, or AM/FM clock radio.

As the number of volunteer hours or miles increases, so do the rewards. Top-tier awards include waterproof CD players, volleyball sets, fleece jackets, compact binoculars, and other fun and fantastic items.

"Like our motto says, DAV Volunteers make it happen'," said National Commander James E. Sursely. "The men and women who spend their valuable time by assisting our nation's disabled veterans deserve so much more than we can give. But our new Volunteer Recognition Program allows us to express our appreciation in a new and exciting way."

In the new program, DAV volunteers will receive their award letter when a particular milestone has been met. Then, to redeem awards, they can call 1-866-388-252-5 to get a list of the items for which they are eligible. The items can also be found online at www.dav.org/volunteers/incentive _program.html

Perhaps the greatest incentive for DAV volunteer is available only to the youngest who are involved.

The Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship program offers $80,000 in college scholarships to youth volunteers who volunteer 100 hours or more in VA medical centers every year.

In the past, youth volunteers had to be nominated by the Voluntary Service Program Manager where they volunteered. Also, the volunteers were not required to designate their time as "DAV Volunteer Hours."

Beginning in 2006, youth volunteers will be able to nominate themselves for the award, but they must have donated a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer time to the DAV.

"It is crucial that we get the word out now about the changes that are being made to the Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship program," said National Director of Voluntary Services Edward Hartman. "These young volunteers need to know that they will have the option to nominate themselves for these scholarship awards, but they must prepare now by designating their volunteer hours for the DAV."

Hartman added that with many high schools requiring volunteer hours for credits towards graduation, the scholarships provide an incredible bonus. "Why not make yourself eligible to receive a scholarship at the same time you are fulfilling" your high school graduation requirements?" Hartman said. "This is the perfect way to improve your own life while having a positive effect on the lives of disabled veterans."