National convention: a moment above all others.

For combat-disabled triple amputee James E. Sursely, his unanimous election as National Commander at the 83rd DAV National Convention in Reno, Nev., was a moment that stands above all others.

"Throughout a person's life, there are some occasions that seem to stand out above many others," he told the 3,500 DAV delegates and guests. "This is one of those moments for me."

The election of Commander Sursely and other National Officers was the culmination of a momentous four-day convention that included appearances by Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi, and House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Christopher H. Smith (R-N.J.), a variety of informative seminars and workshops, the presentation of numerous awards, and a heavy, innovative agenda to maintain DAV's leadership among veterans service organizations.

"Ours is a legacy that has been passed on from one generation of disabled veterans to the next," Sursely said. "And we have a responsibility to strengthen that legacy so the DAV will continue to fulfill our mission of service and hope."

"DAV's legacy for the future is one that will be filled with enormous challenges, to be sure, but a future that also will present tremendous opportunities, especially for our Departments, Chapters, and individual members," the combat-wounded Vietnam veteran said. "I take this commitment very seriously and hope that I can live up to your expectations."

Also unanimously elected were National Senior Vice Commander Paul W. Jackson, National 1st Jr. Vice Commander Bradley S. Barton, 2nd Jr. Vice Commander Robert T. Reynolds, 3rd Jr. Vice Commander Raymond E. Dempsey, 4th Jr. Vice Commander Roberto "Bobby" Barrera, National Judge Advocate Michael E. Dobmeier, and National Chaplain Rev. Gerald V. Stump, Jr. (See page 40 for a list of new DAV and Auxiliary National Officers.)

Barrera, the 1998 Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year, is the newest member of the cadre of National Officers. A member of Chapter 53 in Del Rio, Texas, the combat-wounded Vietnam veteran said he was "humbled, honored, and scared."

The National Convention began July 30 with an illuminating presentation detailing the DAV's accomplishments over the past decade at the Board of Directors meeting. Presented by National Headquarters Executive Director Richard E. Patterson and Washington Headquarters Executive Director David W. Gorman, the Decade of Excellence presentation paid tribute to the manifold achievements of the organization since 1994. (See page 20.)

At the convention's Joint Opening Session on July 31, then National Commander Alan W. Bowers said the presentation showed that "DAV has etched into our history one of the finest decades we could have hoped for. Our record of service to our fellow disabled veterans and their families is without equal. And we're just getting better."

"We have so much to be proud of, and we did it together," said Bowers. "It's a remarkable story of success, and it's all taken place in the last 10 years. I am proud to have been a part of it as a National Officer."

In his farewell address as National Commander, Bowers warned that the DAV will be greatly needed by the newest generation of wartime disabled Americans serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other trouble spots. "I don't have to tell you that defending our nation's interests in those troubled nations has been costly," he said. "These young men and women are coming home, and they need our help."

Vice President Cheney praised disabled veterans in his remarks, saying, "While America's enemies may have injured your bodies, they could not weaken your spirit or dim you love of country and your commitment to others."

Cheney said more wounded and disabled veterans would be returning from the terrorist-torn nations of Iraq and Afghanistan and would need the help of the DAV.

"We are grateful for your service, we owe you our freedom; you stood by your country, and now America will stand by you," he said.

Democratic presidential nominee Senator John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) also was asked to address the DAV National Convention but declined the invitation, citing a conflict with his schedule.

Following Vice President Cheney, Secretary Principi said that any progress made in veterans affairs over his term is due to the steadfast persistence of the DAV. "I share your concerns about funding to meet the ever growing demand for health care," he said. "DAV made it possible to get additional funding for VA health care. Working with the DAV, we have made progress."

"You've passed the torch of freedom to a new generation of heroes," he said. "I promise you we will be there when they come home."

Auxiliary National Commander Janet W. Bennett followed Secretary Principi by praising DAV service and legislative efforts on behalf of veterans. She praised the cooperation with the DAV to "build formidable legislative strength to protect and improve the benefits, the services, and the programs our families need. By our example, those who need us most have learned they can depend on us to be there for them."

Ford Motor Company continued its more than 80-year partnership with the DAV with the donation of eight new vans to the Transportation Network and $25,000 to the Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship Program. Since 1996, Ford Motor Company has donated 98 vans worth more than $2 million to the DAV Transportation Network.

The 2004 Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year Gregory C. Kulm was too ill to personally receive his award from the DAV although he was able to attend the National Convention. Kulm asked his wife, Jeanne, to accept the award for him. "On behalf of my husband, he wants to thank you for this award and to say that you are all outstanding disabled veterans," she said. "It's just such an honor."

Kulm lost both legs in Vietnam when a booby trap exploded while he was on patrol. Initially not expected to live, he survived his wounds and two years of operations and rehabilitation to begin a career in law enforcement and, following his retirement, to work for a variety of veterans organizations. (See the July/August DAV Magazine.)

Outstanding Auxiliary Member of the Year, Lynn C. Helms, paid tribute to disabled veterans for their service to our nation in accepting her award. "Thank you for the sacrifices you made for our country and protecting our freedom," she said.

Donald Gene Lundeen accepted the 2004 George H. Seal Memorial Trophy for extraordinary volunteerism, saying his work for disabled veterans was "a privilege. It's really a pleasure to work for these folks." Lundeen, 73, a member of DAV Chapter 34 in Williamsburg, Va., has logged 5,983 hours volunteering in the Hampton, Va., VA medical center's surgical service, recreation, and voluntary services programs.

Genevieve Heitkemper of Milwaukee, Wisc., the Auxiliary recipient of the Seal Award, was unable to attend the convention. In her 41st year as a volunteer, she has donated 20,896 hours helping disabled veterans.

Christina Fay of Temple, Texas, recipient of a $15,000 Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship, said she enjoyed visiting veterans at the Olin E. Teague VA Medical Center in her hometown. The 19-year-old biomedical science student at Texas A&M University began volunteering when she was 13, and last year contributed 550 hours. Eleven other student volunteers received Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarships this year.

House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Smith congratulated the DAV's legislative efforts in support of veterans during the convention. "You have done truly remarkable things for disabled veterans," he said. "We in Congress are gifted to have the input of your leadership and staff. We count on your leadership."

National Adjutant Wilson's report to the convention centered on a stunning video presentation "A Year of Service" highlighting DAV's accomplishments over the previous 12 months. "In many ways, it's been a tough haul, but in the end the DAV is an even stronger voice for America's disabled veterans," Wilson said.

During his report, Adjutant Wilson noted that the DAV celebrated another record year of increased membership which reached an all time high of 1,264,181. "Working in concert with our National Membership Department, DAV recruiters and National Service Officers proved yet again that innovation and leadership can overcome adversity--both economic and social--and that membership in the Disabled American Veterans is a valuable asset," he said.

Wilson said the voluntary service programs continue to set new standards for excellence and the grassroots and legislative advocacy programs continue to be the most successful in Washington.

"DAV continues to excel also because of the support and dedication of our membership, which is the source of our strength," he said. "All members contribute in varying ways to the DAV, and what the National Organization does to fulfill its mission of service and hope pays huge dividends to our members and our nation.

That's why it is vital that we continue our pledge to strengthen our membership recruitment effort. America's disabled veterans and their families are counting on a strong DAV to be there for them now and in the future."

Washington Headquarters Executive Director Gorman's report on the DAV's service and legislative advocacy efforts highlighted the second day of the convention. "VA Secretary Tony Principi said it is because of the DAV that funding for medical care has risen to meet the needs of veterans," Gorman said. "His message was clear. It is up to us to advocate adequate VA health care funding, and we can achieve success by using the same unified spirit of the DAV in support of our goal."

Gorman said that Congress for years has appropriated inadequate annual VA health care increases of 3% to 5% while the VA admits it requires a nearly 14% annual increase just to maintain services. "Under mandatory funding, one of our most important legislative goals, dedicated VA leaders will no longer have to do battle with the White House's Office of Management and Budget and watch as it deprives them of the S1.2 billion needed," he said.

Looking to the fall elections, Gorman said it was the DAV's duty to inform our members about the candidates' position on veterans issues as revealed by their voting records or stated positions on important issues.

"A fundamental role of an advocacy organization is to inform its members about the performance of their elected representatives," he said. "Assessing performance is merely providing objective information. Alone, it does not amount to endorsement, support, or opposition for political office. But it is essential to the fulfillment of our organization's purpose to advance the interests of disabled veterans."

Prior to Gorman's report, convention delegates and guests were treated to a video presentation of the dedication of the World War Ii Memorial, the gala DAV reception following the dedication, and the DAV National Service Foundation supported PBS documentary "The World War II Memorial--A Testament to Freedom."

National Service Director Randy Reese concluded the day's business by presenting awards to outstanding employment specialists and companies that hire disabled veterans.

Phylicia D. Fuller, an employment specialist at the Augusta, Ga., Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, received the award as Outstanding Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialist of the Year. A member of Chapter 18 in Augusta, Ga., Fuller also volunteered more than 690 hours at the VA medical center from July 2002 to October 2003.

Chad Richmond of Pinson, Ala., who works for the Trussville, Ala., Employment Security Office, received the Outstanding Local Veteran's Employment Representative award for 2004. A member of Chapter 4 in Birmingham, Ala., he said receiving the award was a humbling experience.

The Northrop Grumman Range Operations in Fort Hood, Tex., received the Outstanding Large Employer of the Year award, while Northrop Grumman Doctrine and Training in Killeen, Tex., was named the Outstanding Small Employer of the Year.

Charles W. Evans, a member of Chapter 31 in Dallas, Tex., expressed enthusiasm for DAV's service and legislative initiatives presented at the National Convention. "We are veterans and we have to do our part to help veterans," he said. "We can do only so much, but it's up to us to work for progress. As I've seen here, veterans have got to get more involved in policy decisions in Congress. We've got to participate in order to make conditions better for all veterans."

The third day of the National Convention focused on legislative, service, volunteer services, and a variety of other issues to inform delegates of new policies and initiatives affecting disabled veterans. (See page 12.)

National Service Foundation President Gary P. Burns presented reports from the Foundation and the Colorado Trust on the last day of the convention. He reported that the steadfast commitment of DAV's National Service Officers was responsible for donations of more than $1.8 million to the National Service Foundation. "Donations to the Colorado Trust were not comparable to previous years," Burns said "Despite the decline, the Trust continued its legacy of assistance to Departments and Chapters that had created worthwhile projects to help disabled veterans, but lacked the funds to initiate them. The total support and revenue to the Trust in 2003 was $1.2 million."

"As young disabled veterans return from the global war on terrorism, we are all aware and understand the importance of strengthening current DAV programs, even as we continue to build the legacy of America's most effective service organization," said Burns.

DAV Charitable Service Trust Chairman Richard E. Marbes said that net pledges and contributions in 2003 totaled $1.9 million. "Total Support and Revenue was more than $2 million in comparison to S1.7 million in 2002," he said, "I am pleased to report a 16% increase."

"But please do not measure the effectiveness of this Trust by what we collect," Marbes said. "The measure of success is the quality of service provided to disabled veterans by the programs we support. Program service expenditures represented 93% of total disbursements. I'm proud to report that nearly $1.1 million was awarded to support programs providing needed assistance for our disabled veterans. Clearly, the Trust becomes more essential every day. It is equally clear that the Trust is responding to the contemporary challenges we face."

Following the presentations, DAV Departments, Chapters, and individual members contributed $140,091 to the National Service Foundation, Colorado Trust, and Charitable Service Trust.

Delegates and guests at the National Convention also enjoyed great evenings of entertainment and camaraderie at the National Commander's Reception, Fun Night, and the Introduction of National Officers Dinner and Show.

Delegates to the National Convention also were drawn to the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial information booth to learn how they can help support the first national memorial to honor the millions of veterans of our armed forces who become disabled while defending our American freedom, The design for the memorial has been approved and the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation's fundraising campaign is well underway. The memorial will be built just a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol Building, and close to the Washington Mall.

"The contributions of disabled veterans go well beyond their heroic sacrifices in the armed forces. Their contributions also lie in what they added to our national spirit and tradition of selfless service. Those who risk their lives and health for others represent the best of humanity. With this memorial, we are acknowledging their extraordinary service to society and commending their courage," said National Adjutant Wilson.