Doug Karr

American Legion

As the largest veterans organization, the American Legion not only supports veterans but the community. Believing that any great change starts in the neighborhoods of veterans, the American Legion supports veterans and their families, provides academic scholarships and promotes patriotism among the younger population.

Disabled American Veterans

The DAV’s mission is to promote the needs and interests of our disabled veterans in the community and at the governmental level. Similarly to the American Legion, DAV provides “grass-roots” assistance to disabled veterans including rides to their medical appointments.

Tags: American Legion, D.C., veteran health, Veterans, VFW, Washington

It is an unfortunate but true reality that many women veterans in this country go uncelebrated in comparison to their male counterparts. Many are surprised to learn that we now have nearly 2 million female veterans in the United States, a number that will rise to 10% of the United States veteran population by the year 2020.

While the contributions of female veterans may not be as obvious to those outside the military, I can certainly go on the record as saying they are as integral an aspect as any in modern combat zones. That is why I’m pleased about a new service being offered by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Tags: D.C., veterans, Veterans Administration, Washington, women

Sometimes, it’s difficult to grasp the fact that America’s remaining World War II veterans are all well into their 80s and climbing quickly into their 90s. Statistics show that we lose approximately 1,000 World War II veterans every day. They’re literally a dying breed, and before long, they will have vanished, taking with them the memories of the war that indeed shaped a generation.

Despite dissention about current military conflicts, most Americans view our World War II vets as special people and some have taken the opportunity to find ways to honor them, recognizing that most have little time left to enjoy being with family and friends, doing the things they love.

Tags: asbestos, D.C., Honor Flights, mesothelioma, Washington

The VA says it will be creating "Veterans Health Benefits Handbooks" for all veterans in the Washington D.C. and Cleveland, Ohio areas that are enrolled with the VA and currently receiving benefits in an effort to "give veterans everything they need to know and leave out everything that doesn't apply to them," according to Secretary of Veteran Affairs Eric Shinseki.

Previously, some vets had complained that materials distributed by the VA outlining each vet's benefits were difficult to understand and contained unnecessary information. The idea behind the new booklets is to only give the veteran information that pertains to them and the benefits they are eligible to receive.

Tags: Agent Orange, asbestos, D.C., Eric Shinseki, Korean War, VA, veterans, Vietnam