May/June 2026

‘Frost and Fire’

Reading William Bolden’s story in “Frost and Fire” (January/February 2026) made my eyes tear up and my heart sink, but eventually I smiled. As a former infantryman, I could feel those cold feet in freezing water causing frostbite but can only imagine the combat wounds he received. And then to not receive a disability rating! Thank you, DAV and benefits advocate Danny Soto, for helping this hero get the compensation he deserves and telling his story. Jeff LaPlume, Columbia Falls, Montana

Rule change reversal

Kudos to Commander Nee, the DAV team and all who rallied to get the VA to halt its decision to adjust disability ratings for veterans on medication. In a matter of days, DAV led the way to shut that down and then followed up to make certain that anxious veterans knew the threat had passed. As the commander said, no one should ever have to worry that taking the medications they need to survive could hurt their ability to care for themselves and their families. Veterans of all generations need to be prepared to rally when bad ideas surface that could hurt our community. We can do even better, but the actions we took and the impact shows why veterans should be involved in our organization. Trent Dilks, Kimball, Minnesota

Claim sharks

Fighting fraud and claim sharks absolutely matters. Veterans shouldn’t be exploited. But we also need to be honest about why those bad actors exist in the first place. The current VA claims process is so adversarial, slow and bureaucratic that it creates the exact environment scammers thrive in. When predictable [injuries tied to high risk military occupations] still require years of proof, repeat exams and appeals, veterans get desperate. A smarter fix is structural, not just enforcement. Presumptive or automatic schedular ratings based on MOS would cut most of this off at the source. Treat combat arms, aviation, armor and toxic-exposure fields like the occupational hazards to physical and mental health that they are. Simpler system. Fewer appeals. Less friction. Less fraud. Better outcomes. James Williams, via Facebook

‘Always have hope’

I am a 100% service-connected DAV life member. Thank you, DAV! I went to different service officers at the VA and received no help, no encouragement and no support. When I asked DAV for help, not only did they help file my claim, they got me the support I needed from the VA. I had been told I shouldn’t hold out any hope for “service-connected” on my first filing. DAV told me to always have hope. Then I got my awards letter—permanent and total 100% service-connected disabled with two years’ back pay. Please, if you can help, donate to DAV. They are in my will. They help all veterans. Sometimes, they’re the only ones who will. Constance Malone, Seattle, Washington

Field of Flags

At Campbell Ridge Elementary School, we make it our mission to recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of our community’s veterans. Each year, we invite them to our schoolwide assembly so we can honor their service and educate our students on the significance of Veterans Day and the customs and traditions of our military. This annual school tradition continues to grow each year. This year, we had the opportunity to add our first DAV Field of Flags. This was the perfect addition to our school’s Veterans Day activities because it allowed us to go beyond recognition and education and take action to raise money to support our veterans. Our veterans loved seeing the Field of Flags as they arrived at our school on Veterans Day, and our students were able to see the Field of Flags as they arrived and departed school each day. This was a great reminder of the sacrifices our veterans made for our country, and we look forward to continuing this tradition each year, expanding our Field of Flags, and helping DAV spread awareness and raise money for our veterans. Britney Wiener, Alexandria, Kentucky

DAV Bowl

I am incredibly humbled and grateful to have been invited to help on-site planning for the 2026 DAV Bowl. Being behind the scenes with passionate, driven veterans—men and women who continue to push forward, serve and give back long after their uniforms are hung up—was truly inspiring. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to spend additional time with veterans and their families I’ve known through my husband, who served alongside them. To the veterans and the retired NFL players who showed up, supported, and gave their time and presence, thank you. Your willingness to stand beside our veterans, amplify their mission and give back speaks volumes. Your support does not go unnoticed and is deeply appreciated. This experience was more than an event; it was an honor, a reminder and a privilege I’ll carry with me. Heidi Skaar, Marshall, Wisconsin

Editor’s Note: For more on the DAV Bowl, see article.