Past Commanders: Each year new officers are elected to lead the chapter for the next year. Frequently commanders have been elected more than once. Many have gone on to hold positions at both the Department as well as the National levels. Two of the Commanders in particular have made significant impacts on the lives of the veterans in the state as well as around the country. Pete Sanchez and James "Jim" Bracy.
Pete Sanchez: Pete served in the Army during WWII in the Pacific Campaign. Captured in the Philippines, Pete was forced to march from Bataan to the prison camp in Cabanatuan in what is known today as the Bataan Death March. He was freed January 1945 during "The Great Raid". While he lived in Tulsa, he worked for American Airlines as a mechanic. In 1976, he became chapter commander and served as such for two terms. He also was a Service Officer. Once he stopped working a "real job", he dedicated himself to providing work to others free of charge in the position of Chapter Service Officer. A position that he relished and worked with great enthusiasm and tirelessly helping hundreds of veterans with their benefits. He made a habit of going to the vet when they could not come to him wherever they may have been. He never failed in his self appointed task until such time as his health failed him. Pete died in 1990. In 1991, the Oklahoma Department of the DAV, decided it would recognize the service officer showing the true meaning of commitment and dedication to fellow veterans with an award named the Pete Sanchez Service Officer of the Year Award. It is presented annually at the state convention. The first award went to Pete's protégée, Jim Bracy.
James Bracy: James (Jim) E. Bracy was a Navy veteran serving in Vietnam. Upon his return to Tulsa, Jim worked as a welder and in heating/air conditioning. Like Pete, he had become disabled in the service to his country. His disabilities (most attributed to his Agent Orange exposure) eventually prevented him from continuing in these fields. As a member of Chapter 32, Jim knew Pete and had first hand knowledge of the type of man Pete was and what he stood for. Jim learned from the best when it came to providing quality service work to his fellow veterans. He learned how to do the job the way it should be done. Like Pete, Jim would work for each and every veteran as if his own benefits were on the line. Jim served as a dedicated volunteer at the chapter for such a long time, that upon his death, Tulsa DAV Chapter 32 was named in Jim's Honor. Jim's student Vernon Lytle has earned the Pete Sanchez Award twice, and Vernon's student Bob Brandt has earned it in only his 3rd year as a service officer.
Pete and Jim set the bar high when it comes to dedication to our fellow veterans. It is a lineage that will continue as long as there is one veteran out there that needs our help.
We are dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. We accomplish this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America's injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
This mission is carried forward by:
- Providing free, professional assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services earned through military service and provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies of government;
- Providing outreach concerning its program services to the American people generally, and to disabled veterans and their families specifically;
- Representing the interests of disabled veterans, their families, their widowed spouses and their orphans before Congress, the White House and the Judicial Branch, as well as state and local government;
- Extending DAV’s mission of hope into the communities where these veterans and their families live through a network of state-level Departments and local Chapters; and
- Providing a structure through which disabled veterans can express their compassion for their fellow veterans through a variety of volunteer programs.
Who is Eligible to Join DAV?
Any man or woman, who was wounded, gassed, injured or disabled in the line of duty during time of war, while in the service of either the military or naval forces of the United States of America, and who has not been dishonorably discharged or separated from such service, or who may still be in active service in the armed forces of the United States of America is eligible for membership in Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Others who are disabled while serving with any of the armed forces of any nations associated with the United States of America as allies during any of its war periods, who are American citizens and who are honorably discharged, are also eligible.
How Does DAV Membership Benefit You?
As a DAV Member, in addition to DAV programs and services, members are entitled to Member Advantages, which gives you access to a variety of important programs, products, and services. Also included with your membership is a FREE subscription to DAV Magazine.
What is DAV's Dues Structure?
Life membership is permanent. Life membership dues are $300 and can be paid in interest-free installments following a minimum $40.00 down payment, or as little as $10.00 per month with recurring credit card payment. Those 80 and over are free.
Help DAV in its effort to help you. Sign up for membership today! To sign up for membership - Complete an Online Membership Application or print out the Membership Application, fill it out, enclose your membership payment, and mail it in right away to:
DAV
Attn: Membership Department
PO BOX 145550
Cincinnati, OH 45250