Lives dedicated to service.

Alfred Faticoni of Newington, Conn., learned about service to veterans after he was injured during the Berlin Airlift in 1948, and was cared for by devoted volunteers and the DAV. Joan Antonaccio saw the loving care received by her husband, a disabled veteran of World War II, and knew she had to volunteer.

Their now long careers as dedicated, compassionate DAV volunteers have been recognized with the 2006 George H. Seal Memorial Trophy, which will be presented to them Aug. 12 at the DAV National Convention in Chicago, Ill.

"I was a little stunned when I found out I won the award," said Faticoni. "I am very happy to receive the trophy, but I volunteer along with a lot of other people, and they should get the award. I like doing what I do for veterans."

"It's a wonderful feeling," said Antonaccio. "I'm here for veterans and that's my main purpose. I enjoy helping them."

The prestigious Seal award annually honors the remarkable DAV and Auxiliary volunteers who serve hospitalized veterans and their families through the VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) program. The awards are conferred in memory of George H. Seal, who was Director of Membership and Volunteer Services and leading organizer and administrator of the DAV VAVS program from 1952 until his death in 1977.

"These are two remarkable volunteers," said National Commander Paul W. Jackson. "They have dedicated their lives to ensuring that our sick and disabled veterans receive the assistance and care they need."

Faticoni, a member of DAV Chapter 8 in New Britain, Conn., was injured during the Berlin Airlift, when Soviet authorities, claiming "technical difficulties," halted all traffic by land and by water into or out of the western-controlled section of Berlin. The only remaining access routes into the city were three 20-mile-wide air corridors across the Russian zone of Germany. Western powers had to supply the city's inhabitants with the necessities of life by air over an 11-month period, sustaining Berlin's 2.5 million residents in one of the greatest feats in aviation history.

At the height of the Berlin airlift, planes crowded the skies, flying just minutes apart as they brought their precious cargo to the city's residents. The dangerous air traffic was costly as 31 Americans died in accidents during the humanitarian effort.

"I was treated very well in Germany and at Valley Forge after the accident," said Faticoni.

Thankful for the good treatment by DAV and volunteers, he decided after he had healed to become a volunteer to repay the kindnesses--and that's what he's done for 55 years.

Faticoni began volunteering part-time, but became a full-time volunteer when he retired. "I was one of those who helped found the Transportation Network in 1987," he said. 'Tin very proud of that. And I'm still here." During that time, Faticoni has driven nearly 207,000 miles transporting nearly 6,500 veterans to medical appointments and returning them safely home again.

In his 46 years as a DAV VAVS volunteer, Faticoni has donated 56,210 hours, which continues to increase each week. "This is what my obligation is," he said. "I was treated at the VA hospital and helped by the DAV, so I feel that I should give back."

At 79, Faticoni has had a lifetime of service. "I was a wild little kid," he said. "World War II got me into volunteering. I helped the Salvation Army when I was a teen, and I was a Boy Scout. I always feel good when I do something for somebody."

Faticoni said volunteering "puts a smile on the faces of those you help. Veterans need our help, and I want to help all veterans," he said, "particularly Vietnam veterans because of what they all went through."

It's obvious that he achieves his goal. "When veterans leave the medical center after treatment, they feel good and rewarded knowing that Al is sincere," said Department of Connecticut Commander Harry R. Newell. "He is, indeed, a friend of veterans and volunteers."

Antonaccio, the DAV Auxiliary Seal award recipient, was attracted to volunteering when she saw the wonderful treatment provided to her disabled veteran husband.

Even at 74, Antonaccio says the feeling she gets when helping veterans keeps her going and rewards her with something positive. "It's a good feeling," she said. A very good feeling."

"We make sure our veterans get taken care of," she said. "They're our top priority. Especially the young veterans coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan. We get them registered right away, and get them to the right people."

For those entering the Northport, N.Y., VA facility, usually the first person they meet is Antonaccio. "I visit every new patient that comes into the hospital," she said. "I give them toiletries, and I ask them how they're doing. I give them phone cards. Once when I was away a couple of days, I'd get phone calls about when I'm coming back."

Even after long days at the hospital, Antonaccio's work isn't finished. She gets calls from patients at home, asking for her help or just to visit for a few minutes. "Anytime they need anything, they get in touch with me."

"I get a wonderful feeling when I help veterans," she said. "It keeps me going, and it gives me something positive. We sit around and talk sometimes. I know everybody and everybody knows me."

"I'm 74, and I have a couple more years in me," said Antonaccio. If I could stay another 10 years, I'll be here."

"Her enthusiasm is infectious and has propelled the facility forward," said VA Voluntary Services Program Director Mary O'Sullivan. "She is deeply committed, compassionate and loyal to the Long Island veterans we serve."

A member of Unit 95 in Islip, N.Y., Antonaccio has donated 22,712 hours over 13 years to help the sick and disabled veterans of Long Island.

"Mrs. Antonaccio is a bright spot for the hospitalized veteran or any veteran she encounters," said O'Sullivan. "Her positive approach and attitude are a reflection on her character."

"The 2006 Seal Award recipients are outstanding examples of those who volunteer their services to benefit our nation's sick and disabled veterans," said National Director of Voluntary Services Edward E. Hartman. "The qualities they exhibit are a reflection of the long history of the DAV and the dedication of our organization to our mission to build better lives for disabled veterans and their families."