VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System

Richard Tremaine, former associate director VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, thanks Liz Eldridge, the Massachusetts commander for the Disabled Veterans Auxiliary, during a recognition event. Eldridge presented the center with a donation for programs to assist patient Veterans. Nancy Mooney, a Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services Advisory Committee representative in Northampton, looks on.

The Disabled Veterans Auxiliary of Massachusetts works closely with VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System throughout the year.

"We can't say thank you enough to the DAV Aux for all they do throughout the year to support our disabled veterans and their families," said Anne Murray, VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System Volunteer Program Manager. "They volunteer, they help with projects, and they financially support Veterans here in western Mass.  They are an all-star team for sure."

The DAV Auxiliary is a nonprofit association founded in 1922 by women who saw a need for assistance to the families, widows and orphans of disabled veterans, as well as the veterans themselves.

There are more than 1,000 auxiliaries across the country including here in Massachusetts.

Members are spouses, parents, siblings, children, grandparents, grandchildren and
great grandchildren of veterans who were disabled or died in military service, as well as
veterans who belong to the DAV.

Children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of auxiliary members, who are under 18,
may also belong to the auxiliary’s Junior Organization.

The DAV Auxiliary supports the following Veteran programs:

— VA Voluntary Service: DAVA and Auxiliary members donate more than 1½ million hours
annually to volunteer work at VA medical facilities and are constantly recruiting new
volunteers.

— Education Loans: Interest-free loans to be paid back in easy installments
after graduation for those who meet eligibility requirements.

— Service/Support Fund: Provides financial assistance to those auxiliary members who
meet eligibility requirements.