Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust

Our Video Link:

https://youtu.be/nto6Cqzj4SA?si=Z6xmXQmea0f4doef

Our Mission:

We are a group of four students at the University of North Texas with a mission to raise funds for Disabled American Veterans (DAV) while also raising awareness of the many challenges Veterans with disabilities face. As citizens of this great nation, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to those who gave their lives to protect our way of life, and we also owe an ongoing debt to those who have been injured while serving. All funds will be donated directly to Disabled American Veterans to support their continued efforts in advocacy for our nation’s Veterans.

About Disabled American Veterans (DAV):

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) was formed in 1920 by World War I Veterans who sought to advocate for greater care of the many heroes who fought for our country, and advocacy for their families as well. DAV is a voice for veterans and their families during some of the most challenging times of their lives. Their journey began as World War I Veterans saw that upon returning home from war, most Veterans were left to fend for themselves for healthcare of the wounds they received and the costs they would face for the rest of their lives. In the 85 years since DAV was formed, they have assisted millions of Veterans in enrolling the VA healthcare system and also with filing claims to be properly compensated for their disabilities.

Why Disabled American Veterans need our help:

Veterans with disabilities need help. Sometimes they know what services they need, but they just cannot get them. Sometimes they don’t even know they need help or that the help they need exists, but don’t know where to go to get it. Many veterans need proper diagnosis but cannot access medical healthcare.

The number of unsheltered Veterans has increased since 2016, despite a drop in the number of overall homeless Veterans since 2010. Among Veterans, Homelessness continues to be an issue that needs our attention.

The Veteran’s Choice Act 2014 has helped get veterans the services they need and has addressed the 2014 “wait time scandal” according to Gurewich et al. (2021). Choice Act helps veterans access care if the wait at the VHA is 30 days or if they live farther than 40 miles. The five most needed services of veterans are physical therapy, cardiology, optometry, orthopedics, and/or dental services and the number of veterans who received services through community care increased from 1.3M in FY2014 to 1.8M FY2018 (Gurewich et al., 2021). As this need increases, the number of Veterans who can benefit from DAV services also increases.

There are 15.8 million veterans in the U.S. and those with a service-related disability were at 31% in 2022 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024). The number of veterans who use VA services as their primary healthcare provider is greater among veterans who report more trauma and tend to have served longer in the military and in combat (Pietrzak et al., 2019). “Veterans who used VA services were more likely to be black, younger, female, unmarried, and less educated and to have lower household incomes” (Pietrzak et al., 2019). Through DAV services, they have a much greater likelihood of being informed of the services available to them and receiving those services.

Our Group Members Share Their Personal Connection:

One person in our group has a stepdad who, as a World War II veteran, has been legally blind for decades and has progressively gone almost completely blind. As an elderly man living alone, he now needs help with his basic activities of daily living. There are some services available, but he needs help accessing them. Making phone calls is impossible for him when he can’t see the phone numbers to call. He needs help with everything except the most basic of his activities. Food, clothing, and shelter seem to be what people think of when they think of basics, but how does the food get there and who prepares it when it arrives? Clothing needs to be purchased and laundered. Shelter needs to have the bills paid and needs to be kept clean and in good repair.

Another person is a daughter of a permanently and totally disabled veteran. She has many childhood memories that include watching her father spend hours on the phone, mailing so many papers, struggling to drive, struggling to work, struggling to walk, and juggling more medications than she could count. It took over half her childhood for him to get what he needed, and twice as long for her to understand his lived experience. The only reason she was able to attend college after high school was because of the VA Dependent’s Educational Assistance Program. She relays that she certainly spent a lot of time in the tuition office of her school as she tried to navigate this program,and wishes she had known about the DAV as a resource at that time.

Rodney W, Jackson

I grew up among the tall pecan trees and cedar trees. I used to climb peach trees because it was a little kept secret; that the sweetest peaches were always at the top. I do not know how true that was, but it sure made a great story at recess when I was sharing my bounty with John and Laurie, two of my childhood friends. Back then we did not know color, just hunger and the gift of benevolence. Whatever we could not consume after our was briskly taken home to my grandmother who would magically turn these gems into a beautiful peach cobbler. If she was truly feeling festive, peach flavored ice cream would suddenly appear, after a lot of churning and me finishing my arithmetic.

I understood the statistics of life and reality as a black child growing up in America and knew if it was to be it was up to me. So, I excelled in school and ended up at 16 working for the US Navy Reserves in the summer via a government program for teens. Through this program I signed up for the DET Delayed Entry Program with the Navy and went off to bootcamp the summer before my Senior year in High School at the tender age of seventeen. For the first time I was truly on my own and knew my childhood was over. I successfully fully finished my tenure as a Navy Man and received my honorable discharge.

During this tenure I would lose the grandmother that raised me since I was three and the father that instilled in me confidence, honesty, and integrity. At 57 years old I am back to fulfill a promise I made to my grandmother to finish my degree. I understand the plight and that is why I am grateful to be a part of Students for Veterans. There were times in bootcamp, or in a dorm room as a reservist and college student where I was the only one in the Navy or actual military.

An organization such as Disabled American Veterans would have been a Godsend. If I can raise awareness, help with research, and just be the voice of hope and compassion that I spent nights praying for as a young man; I have fulfilled the promise I made to my Grandmother Annie. If I can provide one meal, one blanket, one bottle of water for a child who may have lost everything, it is worth anything I might sustain in the pursuit of higher education. Reach into your hearts and souls as I have to truly give donating to this worthy cause and GofundMe. Start a positive movement like we have as brave Students for Veterans. But most of all, please know that the world is better because you are here. Whether you are a Veteran or not, never give up on love never give up on life. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Youtube Campaign Video:

https://youtu.be/nto6Cqzj4SA?si=Z6xmXQmea0f4doef

References

Disabled American Veterans. Supporting Disabled Veterans: Our Mission and Impact. https://www.dav.org/about-dav/

Gurewich, D., Shwartz, M., Beilstein-Wedel, E., Davila, H., & Rosen, A. K. (2021). Did access to care improve since passage of the Veterans Choice Act? Differences between rural and urban veterans. Medical Care, 59(Suppl. 6), S270–S278. https://doi.org/10.1097/MLR.0000000000001490

Pietrzak, R. H., Southwick, S. M., Meffert, B. N., Morabito, D. M., Sawicki, D. A., Hausman, C., & Heinz, A. J. (2019). U.S. veterans who do and do not utilize Veterans Affairs health care services: Demographic, military, medical, and psychosocial characteristics. Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, 21(1), 26992. https://doi.org/10.4088/PCC.18m02350

U.S. Census Bureau (2024 press release):

U.S. Census Bureau. (2024, April 29). Nearly one-third of U.S. veterans report having a service-connected disability, Census Bureau reports [Press release]. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024/service-connected-disabilities.html

U.S. Department of Labor (2024 factsheet):

U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans’ Employment and Training Service. (2024). Profile of veterans: 2023 — Disabled veterans [Fact sheet]. https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/VETS/files/OP1-VCMOS-Disabled-Veteran-Factsheet.pdf

Statista. Veterans Homelessness Has Been Cut in Half Since 2010. https://www.statista.com/chart/33457/number-of-homeless-veterans-in-the-us/

Hi, we are students in the University of North Texas Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science, Pathways to Civic Engagement class, and we are raising funds to support the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust. This incredible organization empowers veterans to lead lives of dignity and respect, ensuring they receive the support they deserve. Your contributions will help continue their vital mission.

Help us meet our goal of raising $2000 for Disabled American Veterans. Every donation will directly support initiatives like:

Join me in making a difference in the lives of those who have bravely served our country. Together, we can help empower our veterans and show them they are not alone. Thank you for your support!

Hi, I'm Gregory "fo50", and the other BIG HEART partners of mines are raising funds to support the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust. This incredible organization empowers our veterans to lead fulfilling lives with dignity and respect. Every dollar you contribute will help provide vital resources to those who have bravely served our country and the staff at the DAV that volunteer their time to assist.

Your donations will directly support programs that ensure veterans receive the quality healthcare they deserve and services for those grappling with PTSD, TBI, and other challenges they face after service.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!

Hi everyone, my name is Ty Morehead, and I’m raising funds for a cause that’s deeply meaningful to me: the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust.

As a proud member of the Army ROTC program, I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices service members make, both on and off the battlefield. This mission is close to my heart because DAV works tirelessly to support disabled veterans—providing critical care, rehabilitation, and resources to those who’ve given so much for our country.

Your donation, no matter the size, will help honor their service and ensure they receive the support they deserve. Thank you for standing with me in giving back to the heroes who’ve sacrificed for us all.

Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust

Organized in 1986, the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust is dedicated to one single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. In an effort to fulfill that purpose, the Trust awards grants to nonprofit organizations with programs that benefit service members of every era. Through financial assistance grants, the Trust carries out its mission by supporting: programs ensuring quality health care for veterans; assistance to veterans suffering from PTSD, TBI, military sexual trauma, substance-abuse issues and related conditions; programs enhancing mobility for veterans with amputations, spinal cord injuries and other physical afflictions; and additional initiatives addressing the needs of veterans and caregivers or families.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Even just a few dollars can help move this mission forward and reach those who need it most.

If you can’t donate right now, sharing this fundraiser is also incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. It means the world to me.

Hello everyone, we are students currently attending UNT and we are raising money for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) for our group project.

Many people know a disabled veteran in their lives that could use community support. DAV Ohio member Ken David is one such veteran. He struggled with isolation, nightmares associated with combat, and service injuries to his back. DAV helped give David purpose and elevated his story so he could receive the Medal of Honor. (Source: https://www.dav.org/learn-more/news/2025/medal-of-honor-recipient-longtime-volunteer-honored-as-veteran-of-the-year/)

Health, psychological, and employment issues take their toll on our country's wounded heroes. Homelessness is often a consequence with over 30,000 veterans experiencing the condition today according to the Veterans Administration. (Source: https://www.va.gov/homeless/pit_count.asp)

Disabled American Veterans tackles these issues through helping veterans better access the benefits they are entitled to after their military service. All funds raised will be delivered directly to DAV electronically. More information about the organization and its purpose can be found here: https://www.dav.org/about-dav/

Thank you for supporting our disabled veterans!

Hello everyone! Military service runs deep in my family, as it does for many across the nation. My husband proudly joined the U.S. Marine Corps in the early 1990s, eager for deployment. However, a training injury after boot camp forever changed his path. The DAV (Disabled American Veterans) became an invaluable resource, guiding my family and me through the Veterans Administration system. For injured veterans, the DAV plays a critical, often unrecognized, role – they are unsung heroes assisting our nation's heroes.

While every veteran has a unique story, many share common struggles, and many often don't seek assistance. That's where the DAV comes in, supporting millions of veterans each year. They're instrumental in cutting through Veterans Administration red tape, ensuring food security, providing mental health resources, assisting with employment, arranging transportation to appointments, and offering countless other services. The DAV acts as a resource for millions of American veterans, and we should all contribute to their mission.

This isn't just a cause; it’s personal. The reality for many veterans after military discharge includes economic hardship, mental health struggles, and a difficult search for stable employment. For one of our own, a veteran with a 100% VA disability rating, life after service meant grappling with profound financial insecurity and job instability. When times were toughest, DAV was there, offering essential resources and tangible support exactly when it was needed most.

DAV continues to be a vital lifeline for so many who have served our nation. It's time to give back to those who sacrificed everything. Every donation makes a difference. Every share amplifies our message. Thank you for your unwavering support for our veterans.

We are Team Mean Green, a group of students from the University of North Texas working toward our Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degrees. Together, we’re raising funds for Disabled American Veterans (DAV)—a cause that is deeply personal to all of us.

Each member of our team has a close connection to the military. Our fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, spouses, and siblings are disabled veterans. We've seen the strength it takes to serve and the struggle that can follow. Some carry visible wounds. Others bear emotional ones. But all of them deserve support long after their service ends.

My grandfather was in the Army and fought in the Korean war. He came home with hearing issues after the war was over. He has been hard of hearing for almost all of his adult life. At 91 he is almost completely deaf mainly from the combat he faced from the war.

Our campaign is guided by our team motto: Driven by Purpose, Powered by Teamwork—and inspired by the ultimate team, our veterans. Their courage, sacrifice, and resilience remind us what real commitment looks like, and we’re determined to carry that spirit forward in everything we do.

That’s why we’re standing with DAV (Disabled American Veterans). They provide life-changing support to those who’ve served—helping veterans secure jobs, access mental health care, find housing, and navigate the benefits they earned through their service. These efforts are more than just helpful, they're critical. Veteran suicide is a serious issue in this country. In 2022, 549 male and 33 female veterans died by suicide, with the highest rates among those aged 18 to 34. Texas Veteran Suicide Data Sheet

Many veterans deal with drug addiction and do not have easy access to healthcare. "Around 50% of veterans will end up having some form of opioid addiction, mainly from the severe chronic pain of their specific injuries. About 25% of veterans return from active duty to rural communities where healthcare isn't easily accessible," Morin, Rich. "For Many Injured Veterans, A Lifetime of Consequences." Pew Research Center, November 8, 2011, Washington, DC, Injured Veterans.

Veterans return from conflicts with mental scars. "It's estimated that 41% of veterans need mental health treatment. More than 27% of veterans reported difficulty adjusting to civilian life," "The State of Veterans’ Mental Health [2024]." Mission Roll Call, September 24, 2024, Clover, SC, State of Veterans Mental Health.

Veterans who are currently living on the streets is also a lot higher than it should be. "Around 6.2% of disabled veterans with a disability are also unemployed. 2.9% of veterans without a disability are currently unemployed. An astonishing 15,507 veterans experienced unsheltered homelessness, an increase of 14.3% from 2022," "The State of Veterans’ Mental Health [2024]." Mission Roll Call, July 19, 2024, Clover, SC, State of Veteran Homelessness.

This isn’t just a class project. It’s a promise to stand up for those who stood up for all of us.

Please consider donating, sharing, or simply learning more. Every action matters. All donations will go directly to DAV so they can continue to operate and help disabled veterans in need. For more information please visit https://www.dav.org/ for DAVs full story and how you can help make a difference in Veterans lives further. Thank you for helping us honor and uplift our nation’s heroes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olZeNasCwzs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_-x6AfGGQ0

Warm regards,

Team Mean Green

University of North Texas BAAS Program

#SupportVeterans,

#ArmyStrong, #Army, #Marines, #NavyStrong, #AirForce, #NationalGuard, #Soldier

#SupportOurHeroes, #HelpingVets

#DAV, #thankyouveterans, #veteransday

Hello, my name is Michelle and I am raising money for the veterans in honor of the great city of Tull, Arkansas, and all the veterans out there who fought for our country.

No veteran should be without healthcare or be homeless. They gave their lives for us, and we should honor them by properly taking care of them when they return home. Please give, even if it's only a few dollars. Thank you!

Mission Possible: Team 4 Vets: Support Disabled American Veterans

Hey everyone! We are “Mission Possible: Team 4 Vets”, a group of students working together to raise money for Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Our team includes Alicia, Bob, Grace, Hadia, and Peter, and we're all excited to be part of this campaign.

Bob is a veteran, so this means a lot to us on a personal level. We’ve heard stories that touched our hearts, like Peter’s friend Joel, a fellow Knight of Columbus, who served in the military and had trouble getting the right benefits. With DAV’s help, Joel was able to renegotiate his disability rating with the VA and finally got the support he deserved. They helped him feel seen, heard and respected.

DAV is a nonprofit that’s been around since 1920. They support disabled veterans by helping them with things like mental health services, housing assistance, education scholarships, and access to benefits. The money from this campaign goes toward their programs, not a single dollar is promised for any one person, but all of it helps veterans get back on their feet.

o DAV provides free services to help veterans, their families, and surviving spouses navigate and apply for VA benefits

o Veterans who are wounded or ill receive free rides to their VA medical appointments

o Through its Homeless Veterans Initiative, DAV promotes supportive housing programs to help veterans regain stability and independence.

o Since 1968, DAV’s Veterans Emergency Assistance program has provided over $8.7 million in disaster relief

o DAV awards scholarships to youth volunteers who give their time and compassion to support veterans

o DAV’s Auxiliary group, often comprised of family members, provides additional volunteers

o Job fairs, networking events, and its Patriot Employer Program

o DAV has a national reach with over 1,300 chapters and more than 1 million members

o DAV represents veterans on Capitol Hill, pushing for legislation that protects their health care, benefits, and transition services—ensuring no veteran is left behind.

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Fighting for Mental Health: Jim’s Story

Mental health struggles are often invisible but very real. A Vietnam veteran named Jim “Doc” Anderson suffered from severe PTSD and even attempted suicide three times. But with DAV’s support, and a service dog named Zamp, through their partnership with Veterans Moving Forward, he found hope. The dog was specially trained to help him deal with stress, depression, and daily life. Now, Jim has a new sense of purpose and peace thanks to the DAV Charitable Service Trust (Canine champions veteran’s mental health, n.d.).

DAV offers a wide range of helpful resources and support to connect veterans with the proper care for mental health. These mental health issues can range anywhere from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma (MST), suicide prevention, depression, substance abuse, to mental conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

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Battling Homelessness: Bringing Heroes Home

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than 35,000 veterans were homeless on a single night in January 2023 (HUD, 2023). That number is not just a statistic, it represents real lives. DAV’s Homeless Veterans Initiative is doing something about it. They help provide emergency housing, job placement, food, and clothing, and they’ve put over $8.7 million into helping veterans recover their dignity since 1968.

When you give to this campaign, you’re not just donating, you’re helping a hero come home.

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Scholarship Program and Educational Support

DAV believes in empowering the next generation of leaders while honoring the service of veterans. One of the ways they do this is through their generous scholarship programs designed to recognize and reward young volunteers.

• DAV has awarded over $1.6 million in scholarships to young volunteers, helping them pursue higher education while giving back to veterans.

• Each year, ten scholarships totaling $110,000 are awarded through DAV’s volunteer programs.

• Scholarship amounts range from $5,000 to $30,000.

• Eligibility requires applicants to be 21 or younger with at least 100 lifetime volunteer hours through DAV’s LVAP (Local Veterans Assistance Program) or VAVS (Voluntary Service Program).

• Scholarships can be used at any accredited college, university, or vocational school.

• Recipients are selected based on their service impact, future goals, and a submitted essay.

For more details, visit www dot davscholarships dot org or email [email redacted]

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How You Can Help

We’re proud to run this campaign, and your support means the world. Whether it’s a few dollars or a share on social media, every little bit helps. Help us raise awareness. Help us raise funds. Help us raise hope.

To explore DAV’s full range of programs, resources, and success stories, visit: https://www.dav.org or call [phone redacted]

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References

• Canine champions veteran’s mental health. (n.d.). DAV - Disabled American Veterans. https://www.ihelpveterans.org/blogs/canine-champions-veteran-s-mental-health

• Disabled American Veterans (DAV). (n.d.). DAV Scholarships. https://www.davscholarships.org/

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2023). The 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress: Part 1: Point-in-Time Estimates of Homelessness. https://www.hudexchange.info/news/2023-ahar-part-1-pit-estimates-of-homelessness-in-the-us/

Helping those who have served

to receive what is deserved.

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization works tirelessly to ensure these heroes receive the benefits, support and lifelong dignity that they deserve.

Thousands of veterans live with the lasting impact of their service – from physical disabilities to emotional trauma – for some, civilian life becomes overwhelming and debilitating. Many veterans are elderly, isolated and in urgent need of proper care. There is a critical need for In-home health care assistance for our aging veterans, who can no longer care for themselves. Many struggle to get approval, or are reevaluated and have lost prior benefits, leaving them struggling to remain safe, healthy and comforted by familiarity in their own homes.

From the University of North Texas, we are Team Innov-8; embarking on a group project with hopes of helping this noble cause. While enrolled in our Pathways to Civic Engagement class, our team has partnered with the DAV to raise funds that will directly support Disabled Elderly Veterans in their fight for adequate care.

Your contributions will help cover transportation to medical appointments, assistance with benefits claims and increased access to life-sustaining in-home health care. Every dollar helps remind our veterans that they are not forgotten and that they are not alone. Stand with us…

Give back to those who have served.

Give them what is deserved.

Hi! Our names are Madeline Blakley and Allison Fisher and we are running the Cleveland Marathon in support of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) because we believe it is a meaningful way to give back to the brave men and women who have served our country.

As we navigate through our clinical year of PA school, we have had the privilege of working closely with many veterans that have profoundly shaped our perspective. These individuals are not only examples of what it means to selflessly serve, but also represent the unwavering strength, resilience, and courage that we aim to embody as we enter the healthcare field.

Through our clinical experiences, we've seen firsthand the disparities that many veterans face after they have sacrificed so much for our safety and freedom. The challenges they endure whether it be physical disabilities, mental health struggles, or navigating a complex healthcare system, are often far greater than what most people realize. It has opened our eyes to the urgent need for advocacy, better care, and support for our veterans.

This marathon isn’t just about reaching the finish line; it’s about running with purpose, showing up for those who’ve shown up for us, and helping make sure that they get the support, respect, and care they’ve earned.

We hope that this run will be the first of many opportunities to show our gratitude and make a difference in the lives of veterans. As we continue on our journey to becoming healthcare providers, it is our goal to advocate for and support those who have served, not just in our professional lives, but in every way we can.

This run is a commitment to being a part of the solution, to creating a future where the sacrifices of veterans are honored, and their needs are met with the care and respect they deserve.