In 1920, Cincinnati born, disabled Army captain Robert Marx called for a caucus of different veteran organizations that had formed for both social as well as service type work. In 1921, 250 men met in Cincinnati and created a national organization subsequently divided into state and local chapters. It was from this meeting that the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) was founded. Chartered by Congress in 1921 as the Disabled American Veterans of the World War (DAVWW), it was dedicated to a single purpose; building better lives for disabled veterans and their families. Robert Marx, a Superior Court Judge, through his tireless efforts to help other veterans, became know as the "Father of the DAV". After WWII, due to the changes in the veteran population in the United States, the name was shorted to the current name of Disabled American Veterans. Ever since that day in 1921, the DAV continues to be the preeminent organization for assisting veterans obtain the benefits to which they are entitled. To this day, we remain a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. We have no political action committees and neither endorse nor oppose any political candidate. We are totally funded through dues and contributions, receiving no funding from the government nor through the United Way. Today, we are strong and growing with well over 2 million members including 1 million life members. And still dedicated to our founding purpose; ensuring all veterans and their families receive the benefits to which they are entitled. We also champion our causes (benefits) before congress: to keep from losing what we have as well as proper funding of the Veterans Administration.
Chartering: December 11, 1929 the DAVWW granted a charter in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The charter indicated that the 11 men from the area were officially recognized as the Tulsa Chapter, Number 3 Department of Oklahoma. July 8,1950 the DAV issued a new charter showing the 35 members were officially recognized as Chapter 32. Today, we are more than 2300 members strong with continuous years of membership ranging from more than 50 thru just a few weeks.
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.
Our Mission
Since its founding more than 80 years ago, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has been dedicated to a single purpose: building better lives for America's disabled veterans and their families. Fidelity to that mission has required DAV to respond creatively and flexibly to changing and sometimes unpredictable challenges faced by its constituency. Whether disabled veterans have needed a voice on Capitol Hill, a nationwide service program, a transportation network or unique rehabilitation opportunities, DAV has focused its attention and resources to meet those needs.
Services to Veterans and Their Families
* Founded in 1920, the DAV is totally funded by dues and contributions, receiving no federal funding.
With National Headquarters in Cincinnati and Legislative Headquarters in Washington D.C. and the Department of North Carolina's Headquarters in Raleigh, the DAV focuses strictly on serving veterans and their families. A nonpolitical organization, it has no political action committees (PACS) and endorses no political candidates.
To help you and your family get all the benefits you've earned, the DAV maintains a corps of approximately 270 National Service Officers (NSOs) in 72 offices across the United States and in Puerto Rico.
There's never any charge for the assistance these veterans benefits experts provide you and your family.
DAV Service Officers are all service-connected disabled veterans themselves, so they understand where you are coming from. They are all accredited through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
DAV Service Officers offer counseling on VA compensation, health care, pension, employment rights, education and more.
They help you assemble evidence to support benefit claims, building cases on your behalf and preparing claim forms and briefs.
The DAV extends disaster relief to disabled veterans affected by natural disasters like earthquakes or floods.
The DAV National Magazine and North Carolina's DAV News, chapter meetings, and other functions keep members up-to-date on issues affecting their rights.
The Department's Transportation Network transports sick and disabled veterans to VA medical facilities for treatment in North Carolina.
DAV Volunteers in North Carolina donate hours to veterans at all VA hospitals and many non-VA facilities throughout the state.
Through a variety of local programs the DAV reaches into their communities, seeking new ways to help disabled veterans and their families.
Who is Eligible to Join the 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 the Disabled American Veterans. 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 Your DAV Membership Benefit You?
As a DAV Member, in addition to DAV programs and services, members are entitled to a Member Benefits Package, 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 the DAV's Dues Structure?
Life membership is permanent. Life membership dues are as follows and may be paid in interest-free installments following a minimum $40.00 down payment.
Age and Amount
80 or older FREE
71 - 79 $140.00
61 - 70 $180.00
41 - 60 $230.00
40 or younger $250.00
Help the DAV in its effort to help you. Sign up for membership today! To sign up for membership - fill out an Online Membership Application or print out the Membership Application, fill it out, enclose your membership payment, and mail it in right away to:
Disabled American Veterans
Attn: Membership Department
PO BOX 145550
Cincinnati, OH 45250