CONTENTS Signing off: National Commander Dennis Nixon lays out one final challenge to DAV members as he prepares to hand off the reins to a new leader. National Adjutant Marc Burgess recognizes all those who have received the nation’s oldest military award. A chance meeting helps an Air Force veteran gain access to his earned benefits after a clerical error resulted in his original claim being denied. “Zig, don’t zag”: Past National Commander Ron Hope recalls the fateful day his helicopter crashed in Vietnam, and how it led him to a fulfilling career serving veterans. Join Past National Commander Dennis Joyner for an incredible reunion, 50 years in the making. For veterans looking to make a successful leap into the civilian workforce, a professional mentor may be the key to success. Recruiting new members pays off, earning you points for DAV swag! VolunteerforVeterans.org helps make the connection for one veteran in need of help—and more than 30 local volunteers wanting to give back. DAV MAGAZINE • July/August 2019 Contact us: dav.org • Toll Free 877-426-2838 • 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076 • feedback@dav.org. Volume 61, Issue 4, DAV Magazine (ISSN 0885-6400). Editorial Office: DAV Magazine, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Telephone 859-441-7300 or toll free (877) I AM A VET. Published and circulated bimonthly bulletin by the Disabled American Veterans, a Congressionally chartered, nonprofit organization, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. DAV Home Page is dav.org. Available on recording for the blind and those with physical handicaps that preclude reading printed material. The magazine is mailed free to DAV and Auxiliary members who are paid subscribers. Nonmembers may subscribe for $15 per year. Periodical postage paid at office of publication, Newport, KY 41071, and at additional offices. Printed in U.S.A. Change of Address: When notifying a change of address, send former as well as new address, including ZIP code, to: DAV Magazine, DAV National Headquarters, P.O. Box 145550, Cincinnati, OH 45250-5550. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DAV Magazine, DAV National Headquarters, P.O. Box 145550, Cincinnati, OH 45250-5550. FEATURES DAV’s 2019 Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year, Army veteran Judge Patt Maney, was injured by an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2005. Today, he’s helping fellow veterans turn their lives around. They’ve thrown their names in the hat. Now you can get to know your candidates for DAV national office. Veterans hit the slopes again at the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, including this year’s Freedom Award winner, Army veteran and amputee Alex Hussey. Dennis R. Nixon National Commander J. Marc Burgess National Adjutant/Publisher Daniel J. Clare National Communications Director Ashleigh Byrnes Deputy National Communications Director M. Todd Hunter Assistant National Communications Director Mary Dever Assistant National Communications Director Bryan Lett Assistant National Communications Director Austin Shaffner Assistant National Communications Director Rob Lewis Assistant National Communications Director Janice M. Hagar Associate National Communications Director Matt Saintsing Associate National Communications Director Doreen Briones Production Manager Shannan Archer Senior Graphic Designer