and stressed the importance of highlighting the veteran voice in film. DAV ambassadors Jordin Sparks, a singer and actress, and NFL Hall of Famer LaDanian Tomlinson were also featured in the movie. The film’s producers and directors showcased DAV in the movie and made the organization a beneficiary of its success. During Monday’s Women Veterans Seminar, members took a look into the changing roles of females serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and their transition following deployment with “Journey to Normal: Women of War Come Home.” The documentary explores the psychological and social dynamics facing servicewomen, as well as their reintegration into civilian life. The Women Veterans Interim Committee discussed issues facing women veterans highlighted in the film with the filmmaker JulieHera DeStefano. Monday evening, convention attendees had the opportunity to see the official unveiling of a film that profiled an issue of importance to DAV and DAV Auxiliary members—the silent sacrifices of caregivers. Filmed over five years, “The Weight of Honor” follows the lives of the caregivers of veterans who were severely wounded in Afghanistan. Yvonne Riley, wife of the outgoing national commander, joined her husband on stage while he introduced the film and outlined DAV’s commitment to expanding benefits and resources that are currently only available to post-9/11 veteran caregivers. Stephanie Seldin Howard, the film’s director and producer, addressed questions from the group and recognized DAV’s work in addressing the needs of caregivers through the Unsung Heroes Initiative. A&W Restaurants also announced their new partnership with DAV, as Vice President of Marketing Sarah Blasi presented DAV a check for $100,000. The company has been a supporter of veterans since serving their first root beer during a welcome-home parade for World War I veterans in 1919. A&W Restaurants collected donations nationwide, leading up to National Root Beer Float Day on Aug. 6, and convention participants were able to celebrate early with root beer floats courtesy of A&W following the opening business session. DAV also presented a $620,000 check to Camp Corral, a nonprofit organization that provides free, one-of-a-kind summer camp experiences for children of wounded, disabled or fallen military service members. The funds, which were raised by chapters, departments and the Auxiliary through DAV’s Just B Kids Scholarship Program and then matched by the national organization, will allow 1,000 children to attend the camps. The 97th DAV and Auxiliary National Convention will convene July 14–17, 2018, at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nev. ■ Learn More Online Download speeches, reports and other information from this year’s convention at davnationalconvention.org View all videos on DAV’s YouTube Channel youtube.com/user/DisabledVeterans/videos Photos are available for download at flickr.com/theDAV Information on the 2018 convention can be found at dav.org/events/2018-national-convention National Convention Chairperson Eddie Figueron presents a replica of a Cajun cabin to then-National Commander Dave Riley as a gift on behalf of the Department of Louisiana. (Photo by Emily Kask) DAV.ORG | FACEBOOK.COM/DAV | @DAVHQ | @DAVETERANS 11