Former Major League Baseball umpire Larry Barnett received a DAV lifetime achievement award and a standing ovation at the 2016 DAV and DAV Auxiliary National Convention in Atlanta for his 40 years of unwavering commitment to our nation’s veterans.

Since 1976, Barnett has visited every single VA hospital in the country—most of them on numerous occasions—and made well over 3,000 visits to lift the spirits of ill and injured veterans and their families while carrying DAV’s message of hope.

“Larry’s heartfelt dedication on behalf of our nation’s heroes as a celebrity entertainer for our organization has positively impacted the lives of countless veterans and provided them with a sense of inclusion and hope when they needed it most,” said National Adjutant Marc Burgess. “Whether it was discussing different aspects of baseball or simply lending an ear to a veteran in need, Larry’s time, energy and compassionate nature to our cause over the past 40 years have humbled us all. DAV is truly grateful for people like Larry Barnett.”

Humble as ever, Barnett deflected the praise.

“People always said that I was with superstars my whole career, and I’ll tell you, they were right,” Barnett reminisced.

“Most of them are sitting in this room,” he continued, gesturing to the DAV members in attendance. “Our veterans are our superstars of this country.”