Millionth life member asks others to get on board DAV.

When retired Petty Officer 1st lass Brian K. Thomas, of Pascagoula, Miss., paid off his remaining lifetime membership dues on April 28, he had no idea his support had enabled the DAV to reach its historic achievement of one million full-paid members.

Thomas, who now works at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration as an electronics technician, had planned on joining the DAV since being honorably discharged from the Navy in 2004. He said he was glad to be part of National Commander Paul W. Jackson's mandate and that he would encourage disabled veterans in his community and at NOOA to get onboard with the organization.

"Every full-paid life member makes a personal commitment to building a stronger, more effective DAV, and that sends a powerful message to our elected officials in Washington that we are a force to be reckoned with," said National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson. "It also shows the American people, who support us with their generosity, that the DAV truly is committed to service and advocacy on behalf of disabled veterans and their families."

"I've been familiar with the DAV for a long time," said Thomas. In the Navy, where he served 20 years as a sonar technician, Thomas worked with DAV Chapters and Departments during community relations events.

Thomas said his family's home was devastated by Hurricane Katrina last year, and he was grateful for the support DAV provided members of his community.

Thomas was invited to attend the 2006 National Convention with his recruiter, Samuel C. Bordeaux, Adjutant of DAV Chapter 5 in Gulf Port. However, the convention conflicted with the first weeks of school for his daughters, Shaniqua and Brittney, so Thomas could not make the trip to Chicago.

"School is very important for our children. We want to make sure they are getting a good education. I'm sure other people in the DAV understand," Thomas said.

Thomas' decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star, the Navy Good Conduct Medal (with three bronze stars), the Navy Expeditionary Medal and multiple sea tour and overseas ribbons.

"We closed the membership year ahead of our goals, with 1,006,935 fully paid life members," said National Membership Director Anthony L. Baskerville. "From the recruiters who brought in more than 100 members to people like Samuel Bordeaux who just brought in a couple, every little bit has helped, and all our efforts great and small contributed to fulfilling the Commander's mandate."