CONTENTS 1 3 6 14 16 24 26 28 32 Caring for those who cared: National Commander Dennis Nixon calls attention to DAV’s push for improved survivors benefits. National Adjutant Marc Burgess talks about the duty—and honor— of recognizing our nation’s veterans at every stage of their lives. One man’s family connection to DAV helps change the course of his life after service in Iraq. A look at how a common— and unseen—service-connected disability is impacting veterans on a daily basis. Celebrating 75 years: how the GI Bill has helped generations of veterans pursue and achieve their goals after the military. It pays to be a DAV member— here’s how. Making sense of the VA’s long-awaited proposals to transform veterans health care. Telehealth options are changing how veterans receive care, making it easier and more convenient. Salute! A quick guide to customs and courtesies concerning Old Glory. FEATURES 8 “Our family’s Veterans Day”: relatives of Past National Commander Dennis Joyner recount his Alive Day 50 years ago. 11 DAV members in Michigan come to the aid of a fellow transgender veteran in her time of greatest need. 20 DAV delivers: National Commander Dennis Nixon calls on Congress to address critical veterans issues. 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 Doreen Briones Production Manager Shannan Archer Senior Graphic Designer DAV MAGAZINE • May/June 2019 Contact us: dav.org • Toll Free 877-426-2838 • 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076 • feedback@dav.org. Volume 61, Issue 3, 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.