Celebrating a Century of Service part 1: DAV Leaders Reflect on Supporting Veterans in Minnesota and Beyond

Host Butch Whitehead interviews Department Commander Martin and National Commander Dan Contreras on the "Veterans of the North" podcast, coinciding with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Minnesota chapter’s centennial celebration. Commander Martin, nearing the end of his term, shares his rewarding experience traveling across Minnesota, meeting volunteers, and addressing veterans’ top concern: disability claims. He praises the elite service officers in Minnesota who assist with claims, encouraging veterans to utilize their expertise. National Commander Contreras, halfway through his term, discusses his role as the primary spokesperson for nearly 1 million DAV members, highlighting advocacy efforts like testifying before Congress and the Vision for Veterans campaign. He emphasizes the caregiver support program, which aids both veterans and their caregivers, as a key focus. The discussion underscores the grassroots foundation of DAV, with stories of veterans like Commander Martin, who fought 55 years for his disability benefits, and others who delayed claims for decades. The DAV’s service officers are celebrated for their technical expertise and persistence in securing benefits, ensuring veterans receive earned compensation regardless of when they come forward. The segment highlights the organization’s commitment to advocacy at state and national levels, exemplified by Minnesota’s Veterans Day on the Hill, where 800 veterans rallied for their benefits.