Disabled American Veterans Department of Alabama Mid-Winter Training Seminar

“Made up exclusively of men and women disabled in our nation’s defense, the Disabled American Veterans is dedicated to one, single purpose — building better lives for all of our nation’s disabled veterans and their families. 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.” DAV MISSION STATEMENT

Remember the DAV Mission Statement in all you do – it is why we all serve! Know your oath & live by it! CHAPLAIN

CHAPLAIN RESPONSIBILITIES The Chaplain shall arrange, at the request of a member’s family, for the observance of a Military Funeral, and shall arrange for the representation of the Chapter at a member's funeral. The Chaplain shall inform the Chapter Commander of all deaths within the Chapter. The Chaplain, (or Chaplain’s Assistant), shall check the local newspaper obituaries for any Chapter member or members of their family. If any are listed, the Chaplain will notify the Chapter Commander of the death. The Commander will notify the Chapter Senior Vice Commander so he or she may make note of the death with regard to membership. CHAPLAIN

The Chaplain shall comfort the family of any member that has passed away. The Chaplain shall encourage attendance of members at DAV conducted funerals and ensure proper conduct of the services. CHAPLAIN The Chaplain shall send a sympathy card from the Chapter, and present a bible of appropriate denomination, (if available), to the family. (DAV Sympathy cards are available from National Headquarters).

The Chaplain shall notify the Department Chaplain with a monthly report including the member’s name, membership number, date of passing, age, & funeral arrangements. The Chaplain will also send in a death notification to DAV National Headquarters of any DAV member who has passed away. This can be accomplished via Department Web Site under TAPS. CHAPLAIN

Chapter Chaplains Report Month - Month 2010 It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Comrade John Smith, Major (Retired), DAV Member # 01009XXXXXX, of 123Anywhere Road 456, Enterprise, Alabama, on (Month/Day), 2010 at Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan, Alabama. He was XX years old. The Searcy Funeral Home & Crematory made funeral arrangements. The location & date/time of burial is (Month/Day), 11:00 hours, at Meadowlawn Memorial Park, Enterprise, AL. John Doe Chaplain Chapter #X

The Chaplain shall be notified and stay informed of all illnesses or injuries of Chapter members. The Chaplain shall act as Hospital Visitation Chairperson and may be assisted in this task by one or more members who volunteer their services, i.e. other Chapter members, Auxiliary Chaplain or other Auxiliary members, etc. CHAPLAIN The Chaplain shall keep the Commander informed of a member or the family or of a member who is ill and/or who is hospitalized.

The Chaplain shall make hospital visits to members or their family members who are hospitalized locally. If a member is hospitalized in an out-of-town facility, and the Chaplain is so informed, he or she shall attempt to contact them by phone and keep current on their condition through family members or friends. (These phone calls can be made at the Chapter Office). The Chaplain will keep a record of all calls made on behalf of a veteran or a veteran’s family. The Chaplain shall give a current Sickness & Distress Report at each monthly Chapter Meeting. CHAPLAIN

EXAMPLE

The Chaplain shall give the Invocation and the closing Benediction at all Chapter meetings, or coordinate with the Assistant Chaplain, (if one is appointed), or a member in good standing to conduct the same. The Chaplain shall provide spiritual leadership to Chapter members when requested. The Chaplain may, on occasion, be asked to assist the Chapter Service Officers in counseling on non-claim related issues. CHAPLAIN

The Chaplain shall conduct training with the Assistant Chaplain and any Chaplain assistants, on a monthly/quarterly basis, should the chapter be large enough to require additional support. This contingent will be known as the Chaplaincy. The Chaplain will also supervise the Veterans Education Team, which is an informal support group for veterans who are struggling with issues they or their dependants may be facing, i.e. dementia, Alzheimer’s, crones, cancer, survivorship, etc. The Chaplaincy will also research and provide information to assist veterans during this time of need. CHAPLAIN