DAV Magazine — September/October 2016
Knowledge is POWER
DAV National Headquarters host state leaders at 19th Annual Commanders and Adjutants Association Orientation
The 19th Annual DAV State Commanders and Adjutants Association Orientation was held at DAV National Headquarters in July, affording state-level leaders a chance to learn more about DAV’s mission of service to veterans and families while providing an opportunity to share their own best practices.
“We take a two-pronged approach,” said Dave Tannenbaum, secretary-treasurer of the Commanders and Adjutants Association. “First, there is a transfer of knowledge by the national staff through detailed briefings. These briefings cover all aspects of the DAV mission to serve our ill and injured veterans. Second, we provide an environment by which the Department leaders can develop networks with their peers to help their effectiveness as leaders.”
“The single most personal takeaway from the orientation is the networking,” said Department of Oklahoma Adjutant Danny Oliver. “We’re all focused on delivering the best possible services for our fellow veterans. Exchanging ideas on best practices and things that are working makes us all more effective in conducting DAV’s business in our states.”
Part of the direction for this year’s meeting was aimed at bringing DAV leaders up to speed on the numerous issues the organization is addressing.
“DAV is constantly evolving, and Department Commanders and Adjutants are critical to our service and outreach efforts to veterans in their communities,” said National Adjutant Marc Burgess. “The networking, information and exchange of ideas that took place show the innovation and dedication we’re seeing nationwide from our state leaders.”
“The success of this program is due in large measure to the teamwork of all involved,” said Tannenbaum. “The enthusiasm for the orientation is contagious, and the staff, the Commanders and Adjutants Association, and the Departments share it. With that as the catalyst, success is ensured.”
“The more our leaders know and understand about our core functions, the better we are at serving veterans at the grassroots level,” said National Headquarters Executive Director Barry Jesinoski. “It is our hope they will take what they have learned, implement what they can but—most importantly—continue the learning process by sharing the information with others who impact DAV’s mission.”
Sessions were designed to answer questions about functions within the organization, such as membership, voluntary services, fundraising, public service announcements and employment services.
“For the more seasoned attendees, it reminds us that in order to grow our team, we must always be open to listen and learn, as well as advise,” said Oliver. “With different Departments sharing their best practices, the atmosphere allows for questions and answers in a team environment where everyone is not only equal but also genuinely eager to share. It has not only provided some great food for thought but also really opens the flood gates for ideas and questions.”
“It’s not easy to run a Department, but the members who’ve assumed state-level leadership are dedicated to the good of veterans in their communities and the longterm good health of DAV,” added Tannenbaum. “We want to give them a running start to the year, and we’re grateful for the support of our national staff who make this event so valuable.”
The 19th Annual DAV State Commanders and Adjutants Association Orientation was held at DAV National Headquarters in July, affording state-level leaders a chance to learn more about DAV’s mission of service to veterans and families while providing an opportunity to share their own best practices.
“We take a two-pronged approach,” said Dave Tannenbaum, secretary-treasurer of the Commanders and Adjutants Association. “First, there is a transfer of knowledge by the national staff through detailed briefings. These briefings cover all aspects of the DAV mission to serve our ill and injured veterans. Second, we provide an environment by which the Department leaders can develop networks with their peers to help their effectiveness as leaders.”
“The single most personal takeaway from the orientation is the networking,” said Department of Oklahoma Adjutant Danny Oliver. “We’re all focused on delivering the best possible services for our fellow veterans. Exchanging ideas on best practices and things that are working makes us all more effective in conducting DAV’s business in our states.”
Part of the direction for this year’s meeting was aimed at bringing DAV leaders up to speed on the numerous issues the organization is addressing.
“DAV is constantly evolving, and Department Commanders and Adjutants are critical to our service and outreach efforts to veterans in their communities,” said National Adjutant Marc Burgess. “The networking, information and exchange of ideas that took place show the innovation and dedication we’re seeing nationwide from our state leaders.”
“The success of this program is due in large measure to the teamwork of all involved,” said Tannenbaum. “The enthusiasm for the orientation is contagious, and the staff, the Commanders and Adjutants Association, and the Departments share it. With that as the catalyst, success is ensured.”
“The more our leaders know and understand about our core functions, the better we are at serving veterans at the grassroots level,” said National Headquarters Executive Director Barry Jesinoski. “It is our hope they will take what they have learned, implement what they can but—most importantly—continue the learning process by sharing the information with others who impact DAV’s mission.”
Sessions were designed to answer questions about functions within the organization, such as membership, voluntary services, fundraising, public service announcements and employment services.
“For the more seasoned attendees, it reminds us that in order to grow our team, we must always be open to listen and learn, as well as advise,” said Oliver. “With different Departments sharing their best practices, the atmosphere allows for questions and answers in a team environment where everyone is not only equal but also genuinely eager to share. It has not only provided some great food for thought but also really opens the flood gates for ideas and questions.”
“It’s not easy to run a Department, but the members who’ve assumed state-level leadership are dedicated to the good of veterans in their communities and the longterm good health of DAV,” added Tannenbaum. “We want to give them a running start to the year, and we’re grateful for the support of our national staff who make this event so valuable.”
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