“First of all, veterans just have questions that need information,” said Mason, who is also a DAV Auxiliary to be answered,” said Spencer. “Others have never member. “I think it’s very important that veterans know filed a claim before, but we’re able assist them. We about appeals modernization and all the changes that occasionally have situations where veterans can’t stay are happening so that they can make the right choices for the whole day or the veteran needs to gather more and take control of their appeal.” documentation, so we get contact information and The information seminar outreach program generates follow up with them later.” considerable claims work on behalf of veterans and At the 2019 DAV Mid-Winter Conference, Spencer their families. Members, volunteers and national service took the opportunity to invite Cheryl Mason, officers conducting these workshops reach out to local chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, to the vendors to provide as many resources on-site as possible. April information seminar. Spencer said appeals DAV’s national organization promotes the events modernization is a complex topic and having the on behalf of local chapters to encourage the highest expert come speak possible involvement. directly to local However, a key piece veterans could help to an event’s success is get the most current the ability to follow up information out with participants to effectively. be sure they received “As a military the assistance they spouse myself, needed. married to a veteran, “After these I understand how seminars, we hear important it is that back from veterans the veterans get that it’s never enough –Chapter Service Officer James Spencer the most recent time, because we also offer actual hands-on claims assistance,” said National Service Officer Esther Yangas, who volunteers for Chapter 11. “We’re limited on time and veterans want more, which is nice, and we follow up.” “This service is available free of charge, and you don’t need to be a DAV member to take advantage of this opportunity—though we often see veterans who receive assistance at these events join our organization,” said National Service Director Jim Marszalek. “We encourage any of our members or our staff that can see a need in their area to reach out and request an information seminar in your community.” n “ Veterans just have questions that need to be answered. Others have never filed a claim before, but we’re able assist them.” Chapter Service Officer James Spencer (right) of Chapter 11, Alexandria, Va., requests information seminars every spring for the veterans in his community. Spencer is one of many volunteers on-site to help veterans with benefits assistance. Learn More Online Find out more from your local national service office by reaching them at dav.org/veterans/ find-your-local-office. DAVETERANS | DISABLEDVETERANS 9 DAV | @DAVHQ | DAVHQ | COMPANY/DAVHQ |