National Commander

Kathleen Wenthe, Auxiliary National Commander

Carrying our mission home

As the warmth of summer softens into fall, I’m looking back on our recent convention with profound gratitude—and looking forward with a renewed sense of purpose. The energy and inspiration we gathered there were truly incredible. But like any good harvest, that inspiration can’t sit in a storage bin. It must be carried home, planted deep within our local communities, and tended with steady hands and willing hearts. We’re the stewards of a legacy that demands our active dedication.

As your new Auxiliary national commander, my goal is to ensure we keep our mission growing strong. To do that, I want to introduce a simple framework to guide our steps in the coming year: DAV Auxiliary CARES. This acronym stands for five core pillars that define who we are and how we serve, acting as our road map for the crucial work ahead:

• Communicate: Communication is the bedrock that keeps our members united. A simple phone call, a quarterly newsletter or a casual conversation over coffee can be the exact touchpoint a member needs to feel valued and connected.
  
• Advocate: Advocating for veterans and their families is central to our identity. When we speak up to lawmakers and champion DAV legislative priorities, we ensure the promises made to our heroes are kept. We are their voice, a powerful force that reminds our nation’s leaders of the obligation we owe to those who served.
  
• Recruit: Our survival and continued growth depend on bringing new, active voices into the fold. We don’t need a high-pressure sales pitch—just a warm, personal invitation to show someone there’s always room at our table.
  
• Educate: To serve well, we must know our craft. Educating ourselves about our programs equips us to offer accurate guidance and meaningful resources when a veteran family needs it most. Knowledge transforms our good intentions into impactful, life-changing actions.
  
• Support: This is the beating heart of the Auxiliary. Whether it’s volunteering at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility, checking in on a weary caregiver or sending a note of encouragement, a small gesture can make a lasting difference.
  
  

True leadership—and what some may call country charm—isn’t about being fancy. It’s about being genuine. It’s about showing up with an authentic smile; remembering a name; and serving with a mixture of warmth, grit and a whole lot of heart.

Let’s make DAV Auxiliary CARES the way we live out our calling every single day. Together, we’ll carry our mission home. Thank you for your trust, your dedication and your unwavering service. Let’s get to work.