Department of Alabama CHAPLAIN RESPONSIBILITIES Reverend Donald R. Sellers, Sr. Department Chaplain

Department of Alabama Fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served. 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. 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. Providing a structure through which disabled veterans can express their compassion for their fellow veterans through a variety of volunteer programs. THE DAV MISSION STATEMENT

Department of Alabama Defined by Webster’s Dictionary as: (1) a clergyman in charge of a chapel (2) a clergyman officially attached to a branch of military, to an institution, or to a family or court (3) a person chosen to conduct religious exercises (as at a meeting of a club or society) Very likely the DAV/DAVA Chaplains fall into category 3 for the definition of Chaplain WHAT IS A CHAPLAIN?

Department of Alabama The office of DAV/ DAVA Chaplain is one of honor, reverence, distinction and a privilege in representing “God and Nation.” CHAPLAINS’ PRIVILEGE

Department of Alabama AUTHORITY OF THE CHAPLAIN  First Amendment guarantees free expression of religion  DAV/DAVA Chaplains are duly elected or appointed exemplifying highest ideals of patriotism and good citizenship  Addressed in Chapter/ Unit Officers Guide

Department of Alabama CHAPLAIN DUTIES  Administers to spiritual affairs of chapter  Attending all meetings  Ready to take part in initiations, dedications, funerals or memorial services  Give a current Sickness & Distress Report at each chapter meeting  Maintain close confidence with commander and officers  Visits or calls sick members and those members in the hospital  Comforts families of recently deceased chapter members/ veterans

Department of Alabama CHAPLAIN DUTIES CONTINUED  Encourage members to attend funerals and memorial services  Make sure DAV/ DAVA Services are properly conducted  Help maintain the Spirit of Comradeship of the DAV/ DAVA through:  Unity  Harmony  Peace  Compassion and caring  Lend dignity and respect to your office

Department of Alabama  The Chaplain shall notify the Department Chaplain with a monthly report including the Notice of Death (NOD) of members with name, membership number, date of passing, age, & funeral arrangements.  The Chaplain will also send in a NOD to DAV National Headquarters of any DAV member who has passed away. CHAPLAIN DUTIES CONTINUED

Department of Alabama There is a great deal more to learn! These are the basics. The information you will find in the Officers Guide from National and from the Department Chapter Officers Guide will be helpful. Please, feel free to contact the Department Chaplain with any questions you may have concerning Chaplain duties!

Department of Alabama QUESTIONS???