National Commander

Melissa Pierce, Auxiliary National Commander

Your voice is power: Auxiliary mobilizes for critical veteran legislation

Happy New Year, Auxiliary family! As the calendar turns to a new year, it’s not just a time for personal resolutions; it’s a critical moment for us to reaffirm our commitment and serve with intention—especially when it comes to the legislative fight for our veterans and their families.

For us, this isn’t just the middle of winter; it’s the beginning of the battle for veterans benefits in Washington. The legislative cycle is revving up, and the issues that directly impact the lives of those we serve need our immediate attention and our collective voice.

We are entering a pivotal period where we must stand firm on several key issues. Our focus will be laser-sharp on:

Protecting and fully funding the Department of Veterans Affairs: We must ensure the VA has the resources it needs to provide timely, high-quality care to every veteran who has earned it. We cannot let bureaucratic delays or budget cuts compromise their well-being.

Strengthening caregiver support: The spouses, parents and children who serve as unpaid caregivers are the backbone of our veterans’ recovery. We will continue to push for expanded and robust support programs that recognize their sacrifice and provide them with the financial and emotional help they deserve.

This is where you come in. While the DAV legislative team is on the ground in Washington, D.C., your membership is the vital, grassroots force that gives our message power. A single call or letter from a constituent holds immense weight with an elected official. When that single action is multiplied by thousands of dedicated voices from the Auxiliary, we become impossible to ignore.

This year, serving with intention means more than local fundraising or volunteer hours. It means engaging with your elected officials. It means educating them on the real, on-the-ground impact of these policies. Your personal stories, your empathy and your passion are the most effective tools we have to lobby for change. Your membership is not passive; it is power. Use it.

This focus on legislative action is the very core of our mid-winter conference. I encourage every member who can to attend or follow the updates closely.

The conference is where the excitement and purpose of our mission truly comes alive. We’ll meet with members of Congress, hear directly from the leaders shaping veterans policy and receive essential training to make our advocacy efforts even more effective. It’s a time to feel the collective strength of the Auxiliary, network with your fellow dedicated members, and leave with a renewed and concrete sense of mission.

Let’s step into this new year with purpose and intention. The legislative battle for the benefits and dignity of our nation’s heroes and their families has already begun, and we are an indispensable part of the fight