DAV & Auxiliary National Convention Award Highlights Division II: Minnesota recruited 102.91 percent of its goal. The award was accepted by Past Department Commander Robert Saddoris. Outstanding Veterans Health Administration Employee of the Year Kirt Sickels (center left), director for the National Disabled Veterans TEE (Training, Exposure, Experience) Tournament in Iowa, receives the 2018 award from then-National Commander Delphine Metcalf-Foster, National Voluntary Services Director John Kleindienst (center right) and National Headquarters Executive Director Barry Jesinoski. In addition to the TEE Tournament, an adaptive sporting event co-hosted by DAV, the Navy veteran and DAV life member directs two other programs for his fellow disabled veterans: the GIVE Program and Veterans Casting Away Disabilities. “Kirt served honorably in the U.S. Navy, but that was truly just the beginning of a life committed to service,” said Metcalf-Foster. Division III: Wisconsin recruited 100.94 percent of its goal. The award was accepted by Past Department Commander Leonard Shier. Division IV: Hawaii recruited 102.37 percent of their goal. The award was accepted by Department Commander Julian Crawford. Outstanding Veterans Benefits Administration Employee of the Year Outstanding National Cemetery Administration Patrick Hall (center), a supervisory Employee of the Year veterans representative at the Cheyenne Veterans Service Center in Wyoming, accepts the 2018 award from then-National Commander Delphine Metcalf-Foster and National Service Director Jim Marszalek (left). Since taking his current position in 2010, the Marine Corps veteran has played a critical role in improving and modernizing the center, which has seen record veterans claims completion rates and has made significant strides in veteran appeals, for which it has been recognized as part of the VA’s top 5 stations for the last six years. Rex Kern is director of the Fort Rosecrans and Miramar National Cemeteries in San Diego. Kern is responsible for burial, maintenance and administrative operations at both facilities. Washington Headquarters Executive Director Garry Augustine joined Metcalf-Foster on stage to present the 2018 award to the Navy veteran who has dedicated himself to honoring his fallen comrades with respect, compassion and dignity. Division V: South Dakota recruited 102.53 percent of its goal. The award was accepted by Department Commander Gaylord Helmbrecht. 16 DAV MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2018