National candidates for 2007-2008 membership year.

* The following information is intended to inform the membership about the announced candidates for National Office. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement by the National Organization of any candidate to the exclusion of others who may stand for election. DAV members may announce their candidacy at any time, up to and including the time of our election at our National Convention in New Orleans, Aug. 11-14.

To date, 12 DAV members have announced their candidacy for national office for the 2007-2008 membership year. Elections will take place at the National Convention in New Orleans, La., Aug. 11-14. Biographical information presented below is offered to better acquaint you with the announced candidates.

Announcing he will seek the office of National Commander, National Senior Vice Commander Robert T. Reynolds said, "I am excited about the DAV and the enthusiasm our members demonstrate with renewed compassion, energetic advocacy and unsurpassed service to build better lives for our comrades, America's disabled veterans and their families. As your National Commander, I pledge myself to upholding and strengthening the service, quality, integrity and leadership we are noted for and that is expected of the leader of the DAV.

"We live in a challenging world often embroiled in war and disaster--a world in which our military men and women are frequently placed in harm's way as they serve our nation, and whose service leaves many disabled as a result. It is to those disabled men and women the DAV is chartered to represent by every effective means possible.

"Whether a military man or woman is wounded fighting terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan, patrolling a hostile border in Korea or bringing relief to a flood ravaged city, when they are disabled we must be there for them, and I pledge to be the kind of leader that ensures we are always there for disabled veterans and their families.

"I am acutely aware of the phenomenal teamwork that forged our Strategic Plan and guides our legislative efforts to positively influence fair and necessary benefits and services for disabled veterans and their families. That same teamwork lends strength and determination to our National Service Officer corps, making it the standard for all others to achieve. Teamwork sets us apart as an empathetic, determined and compassionate volunteer force that consistently excels in assisting and caring for disabled veterans.

"Wherever you find the DAV and its Auxiliary you find men and women building better lives for America's disabled veterans and their families. As your National Commander, I will do all in my power to fortify and improve on our mission of dedicated service at every opportunity."

Other national officers seeking election to national office are Junior Vice Commanders Raymond E. Dempsey, Roberto "Bobby" Barrera, Wallace E. "Wally" Tyson and Jerome G. Krejci, National Judge Advocate Michael E. Dobmeier, and National Chaplain The Reverend Doctor Edward C. Bastille.

Robert T. Reynolds currently serves as National Senior Vice Commander. He is a service-connected disabled veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1984 to 1990.

A native of Arlington, Va., Reynolds enlisted in the U.S. Army following high school. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division, with overseas assignments at the Jungle Expert School and Operation Southern Thrust. He was injured in a parachute training exercise while assigned to the U.S. Army 11th Special Forces Group and underwent two years of multiple surgeries before being honorably discharged from the Army with service-connected disabilities in 1990.

An active life member of Chapter 10, Arlington, Va., Reynolds' leadership positions include two consecutive years as Chapter Commander. He also served on a variety of Department of Virginia committees, as Department Judge Advocate, and is a past Department Commander for 1998. Nationally, he served as Chairman for the Hospital and Voluntary Services Committee and as a member of the Nominations Committee.

An avid volunteer, Reynolds is involved in numerous Chapter community activities and at the Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Va., VA medical centers. He is also the Department of Virginia National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic Coordinator and is a regular volunteer at the clinic.

Raymond E. Dempsey currently serves as National 1st Jr. Vice Commander. He is a service-connected disabled veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force. He enlisted in 1967 and suffered a spinal cord injury while serving as a member of a nuclear, chemical and biological team in 1969, resulting in his medical discharge in 1970.

Dempsey began his life-long commitment to the DAV in 1970 while undergoing treatment in the hospital at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. He is a life member of Chapter 42, Des Plaines, Ill. and Chapter 12, Henderson, Nev.

At the Chapter level, Dempsey has served in all offices, including Chapter Service Officer and Membership Chairman. He currently serves as Chapter Legislative Chairman, Department Executive Committeeman and has served in all District chairs. At the Department level, he has held a variety of elected and appointed positions, including Inspector General and Legislative Director. He currently serves as Commissioner of the Claims and Service Commission. Nationally, he served as a Finance and Dues Committee advisor, Ex-Officio member of the Service Foundation Board of Directors, 12th District Executive Committeeman, National Finance Committee Chairman and serves as a Service Foundation/Colorado Trust Advisory Committee member.

Dempsey earned a bachelor's degree in political science and modern world history and a master's degree in administration and supervision. He concluded a 30-year career in education in 2003, retiring as a principal in the Chicago school system.

Roberto "Bobby" Barrera currently serves as National 2nd Jr. Vice Commander. He is a service-connected, combat-disabled Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

A life member of Chapter 5 in San Antonio and native of Del Rio, Texas, Barrera enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1969, following two years of junior college. Later that year, he was seriously burned by a 500-pound bomb exploded by enemy forces beneath an armored personnel carrier in which he was traveling. He was burned over 40 percent of his body, including serious facial burns, and the loss of his right hand at the wrist and his left arm at the shoulder.

He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology at St. May's University, and later, while teaching at Del Rio High School, a master's degree at Sul Ross University. Barrera's career has also included positions of leadership and multi-level management as a juvenile probation counselor and Family Support Center Director at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio.

Barrera is the recipient of numerous honors and awards. They include: the DAV Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year for 1998; LIFE's (Leaders In Furthering Education Foundation) Presidential Unsung Hero Award for 1998; Disabled Veteran of the Year for the State of Texas in 1990 and again in 1998; and Department of Defense Outstanding Employee with a Disability Award for 1997.

Wallace E. "Wally" Tyson currently serves as National 3rd Jr. Vice Commander. He is a service-connected Vietnam era veteran with more than 12 years service in the U. S. Army.

Born in Oak City, N.C., Tyson is a life member of Chapter 46, Fayetteville. Following high school, he attended St. Petersburg Junior College in Clearwater, Fla., before enlisting in the Army in 1972, where his assignments included the 101st Airborne Division, 1st Armored Division and 37th Transportation Group in Germany; 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas; and the U. S. Army Recruiting Command.

He joined the DAV in 1985 following medical retirement as a sergeant first class. He originally served as a Chapter Service Officer and later as Chapter Adjutant.

While serving as a DAV volunteer, Tyson earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Methodist University at Fayetteville in 1989.

Tyson was appointed Adjutant for the Department of North Carolina in June 1989. At the National level, he has served as 9th District Executive Committeeman; a member of the National Executive and Finance Committees, and Chairman of the National Finance Committee; four years as a member of the Interim Committee on Constitution and Bylaws; State Commanders and Adjutants Association President (2002-2003); and as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Service Foundation. He also served as President of the North Carolina Veterans Council; was selected North Carolina Disabled Veteran of the Year for 1995 and 1996, and was presented with "The Order of the Long Leaf Pine" by Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. The award is among the most prestigious presented by the Governor.

Jerome G. Krejci currently serves as National 4th Jr. Vice Commander. He is a service-connected, combat-disabled Korean War veteran who served in the U.S. Army.

He is a native of Grand Forks, N.D., and lifelong resident of East Grand Forks, Minn. Krejci joined the Army National Guard while still attending high school. His unit was later activated for duty in the Korean War.

While serving with the Army's 24th Infantry Division in Korea, he was wounded twice by shrapnel from enemy devices. The second time required months of hospitalization before returning to the United States to complete his enlistment as a sergeant.

Following business college, Krejci completed a career as an accountant for Great Northern Railway and helped run and eventually managed the family farm for more than 50 years.

He joined the DAV in 1953 and is a life member of Chapter 2 in Grand Forks. He has held all elected offices within his Chapter and Department, as well as numerous appointed positions. Nationally he has served as Executive Committeeman for the 14th District, Finance Committeeman and was the first Treasurer of the DAV Board of Directors in 2004. He was also honored as the 2002 Veteran of the Year for North Dakota.

Michael E. Debmeier currently serves as National Judge Advocate. He was elected as National Judge Advocate at the 2002 National Convention in Dallas.

Prior to being elected National Judge Advocate, Dobmeier was appointed Assistant to the National Judge Advocate in March 2002. He later completed the term of National Judge Advocate Edward G. Galian, who passed away on May 11, 2002.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Dobmeier, suffered second- and third-degree burns over more than 30 percent of his body when sprayed with hot oil in an explosion, while serving aboard the submarine, USS Trigger in 1972. Following his discharge from the Navy later that year, Dobmeier signed up as a life member of Chapter 2 in Grand Forks, N.D. His active participation in DAV activities and leadership led him to be appointed or elected to nearly all Chapter and Department offices and positions, including selection as the 1985 DAV Outstanding Member of the Department of North Dakota.

At the National level, he was chosen to serve on the National Executive and Finance Committees in 1994. He was elected National 4th and 3rd Jr. Vice Commander consecutively in 1995 and 1996; National 1st Jr. Vice Commander in 1997; National Senior Vice Commander in 1998; and DAV National Commander in 1999.

A successful business owner, Dobmeier is also president of the North Dakota Veterans Home Foundation.

The Reverend Doctor Edward C. Bastille is a disabled U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Vietnam War as a weapons specialist. He was commissioned as a chaplain in the Air Force before being medically retired due to complications from his initial enlistment.

Rev. Dr. Bastille is a life member of Chapter 16 in San Mateo, Calif. He also served as Chaplain for the Department of California.

Rev. Dr. Bastille earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Springfield College, Springfield, Mass., in 1966. He also attended Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, Mass., earning a Master of Divinity in Theology degree in 1975 and doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling in 1980. He is a Board Certified Chaplain, as well as an ordained minister endorsed by the United Church of Christ.

Retired from government service in 2006, Rev. Dr. Bastille served as Chaplain and later the Chief of Chaplain Service at the Palo Alto Health Care System, in Palo Alto, Calif. from 1988 to 2006, and Staff Chaplain at the Highland Drive VA Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa., from 1985 to 1988. Prior to that, he was pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Delmont, Pa.

Also announcing they will seek election to national office are Rolly D. Lee St., Larry A. Polzin, Donald L. Samuels, Mary J. Beneivenga, and Dr. Charles W. Edwards, Jr.

Donald L. Samuels is a service-connected combat-disabled veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Vietnam War and is a retired DAV National Service Officer (NSO).

Samuels served in the Marine Corps from 1960 to 1969, when he was discharged due to gunshot wounds received while leading his infantry platoon in a ground assault against North Vietnamese Regulars. His wounds resulted in the partial loss of use of his right hand.

Following the 2,600-hour VA Vocational Chapter 31 Training Program, Samuels was assigned as the NSO Supervisor at the Nashville DAV National Service Office in 1970, serving in that capacity until his retirement in 1989.

In addition to his university studies, he completed two years of law school and has attended 12 special finance schools.

Since 1989 he has served as the Assistant Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs.

A life member of Chapter 3 in Nashville, Samuels has a wide variety of Chapter and Department positions, including Chapter and Department Commander. He currently serves as Department Adjutant, Hospital Service Coordinator and Department Service Officer Director, as well as being a member of the National Legislative Interim Committee.

Rolly D. Lee Sr is a service-connected Vietnam era veteran who served in the U.S. Navy. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1969. Following basic training, he served as a military afloat sales and service specialist and recruit commander/recruit instructor during his 21-year Navy career.

Lee has been a member of the DAV since 1990. He is a life member of Chapter 105, Lake, Mich., where he has served as Commander, Service Officer, Legislative Chairman and Public Relations Chairman. At the Department level his offices held include Department Commander, Vice Commander and State Administrative Board Member and Chairman.

He is a veterans service officer accredited through the National Association of County Veterans' Service Officers and currently serves as the Director of the Clare County, Mich., Veterans Affairs Department.

As a past officer and active member of the Michigan Association of County Veterans Counselors, Lee has been instrumental in developing and improving training programs for county veterans' counselors to enhance their abilities to serve veterans.

Larry A. Polzin is a service-connected Vietnam-era veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

A native of Colorado, Polzin entered the Marine Corps in 1961 after graduating from high school. Following basic training, he served as a member of the 1st Marine Division, 1st Engineer Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Calif. His service continued in the Marine Corps until disability retirement in 1966.

Polzin joined the professional staff of the DAV as a National Service Officer in 1972 at the Los Angels National Service Office. He continued to serve disabled veterans and their families as an NSO and was eventually promoted to Assistant Supervisor. He retired in 1998 after more than 25 years of service as an NSO.

A DAV member since 1971, Polzin is a life member of Chapter 73, Woodland Hills, Calif., where he has been active in a variety of positions. At the Department level, he has served as Jr. Vice Commander, St. Vice Commander and was elected Department Commander in 1996.

Polzin is actively involved in veterans' issues at the state and national level. His service has included Chairman of the Department of California Finance Committee, National Executive Committee and various other National Interim Committees.

Mary J. Bencivega is a service-connected disabled veteran who served in the U.S. Navy as an air traffic controller during the Lebanon and Granada campaigns. She has been a member of the DAV since 1995.

Bencivenga served in the Navy from 1981 to 1987, and was injured while on duty at the Naval Air Station, Barber's Point, Hawaii, during a readiness alert. She was hospitalized for her injuries and was not returned to duty for several weeks.

Following her honorable discharge from the Navy as an E-4, Bencivenga continued her education, eventually earning a master's degree in education and embarking on a teaching career that includes tutoring students with disabilities in all subjects.

A life member of Chapter 24 in Tom's River, N.J., Bencivenga has held a succession of Chapter and Department offices, including Department Commander, and currently serves as Adjutant of the Department of New Jersey. She was selected Chapter 24 Veteran of the Year in 2005 and Department of New Jersey Veteran of the Year for 2006.

Bencivenga also has served as Legislative Officer and Sergeant-at-Arms and has held positions on numerous DAV Committees, including National Convention Credentials Committee Chair for 2005 and 2006.

Dr. Charles W. Edwards, Jr. is a disabled veteran who entered military service in the U.S. Army in 1966 as an infantryman. Following active duty, he joined the Army Reserve as a chaplain's assistant and served in the Texas Army National Guard, retiring in 2003.

Dr. Edwards is a life member of Chapter 128 in Austin, Texas. He has held the post of Chaplain with various Chapters and served as Chaplain for the Department of Texas for 12 years.

Edwards earned a Master of Ministry degree from the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Ind., was commissioned as a chaplain in 1976 and again served on active duty with the Army until 1979. He then began service with the Texas National Guard, earning a Doctor of Ministry degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

He also served as Chief of Chaplains for the VA's South Texas Health Care system and currently is Chief of Chaplains for the State Guard Association of the United States and was promoted to brigadier general in 2007.

The National Convention Committee on Nominations will be available to receive additional candidates who present themselves at the National Convention in New Orleans beginning Aug. 11, 2007.