DAV Department of Massachusetts

10/23/2026

🎙️ YOUR STORY. REAL IMPACT.

Were you injured during your military service?

Did DAV help you secure your benefits or support you at home through one of our service programs?

We’d love to hear from you.

DAV Massachusetts is seeking veterans willing to share their stories during our DAV MA Radiothon with WRKO & iHeartRadio on Friday, November 6, 2026.

Your voice can help others understand what veterans experience—and how DAV makes a difference.

📧 Interested?
Email [email protected] with your name, preferred contact information, and a brief overview of your story.

Share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Know a veteran who might be interested? Please share this post!

10/22/2026

10/17/2026

DAV Department of Massachusetts Commander Dennis Devine placed a corsage on DAV Auxiliary Department of Massachusetts Commander Allison Marie Devine, marking their historic distinction as the first father-daughter team to lead their respective state organizations.

A Navy veteran, the elder Devine has been involved with DAV for more than 50 years, reflecting a lifelong commitment to fellow veterans. His daughter’s path to leadership began through her mother, Cookie Devine, whose own involvement with the Auxiliary inspired Allison to give back to the veteran community.

The moment highlights how service to DAV can carry through generations, with the Devine family’s legacy continuing through both DAV and the DAV Auxiliary. Their joint leadership reflects the strength of family commitment in advancing DAV’s mission of support for veterans and their loved ones.

10/17/2026

🎉 We are officially SOLD OUT for the 2026 DAV 5K Boston in RECORD time! 🎉

For the 6th consecutive year, the DAV 5K Boston is SOLD OUT faster than ever, reaching capacity an incredible 82 days before race day.

Boston, your support for our local veterans has been overwhelming. ❤️🤍💙

THANK YOU to everyone who registered and committed to honoring our Massachusetts veterans this year, including more than 375 veterans who will join us at DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

And with America’s 250th anniversary this year, we can’t wait to make this celebration even bigger as we come together to honor our veterans, our community, and 250 years of freedom.

Missed out on registration? You can still make a meaningful contribution to support our veterans or volunteer on race day. We love our DAV 5K Boston volunteer crew! ❤️🤍💙 Explore donation options 🔗 in bio

09/29/2026

It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of H. Paul Hermann, Jr., Past Department Commander for the Dept. of LA 2005 to 2006 and current Department of Louisiana Adjutant since 2017.
Please see the arrangements listed below.

December 28, 1956 – September 23, 2026

Obituary of H. Paul Hermann, Jr.
IN THE CARE OF Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

Hilmer Paul Hermann, Jr., beloved husband of Joan E. Gondron, went to see his maker on September 23, 2026, at the age of 69.
He was preceded in death by his parents Hilmer P. Hermann, Sr. and Marjory J. Hermann of Metairie. He is survived by his wife, Joan E. Gondron, his sisters Debbie (Gary Sibley) and Anna (Michael Chance), and his children Paul (Crystal) and Jean-Edward Todd, six grandchildren, one niece, one grandniece, and one grandnephew.

While growing up, he was active at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Harahan, and in the Methodist Church in District Conferences, youth groups, and other Church events. He graduated from high school and joined the United States Air Force and moved several times until his retirement. He met his wife while serving at Charleston Air Force Base.

He returned to school and graduated from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux with a Bachelor's Degree. He was later hired by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and remained as an employee of the organization until 2009. After leaving as an employee, he volunteered with the DAV and moved back to Louisiana. Here he became even more involved and became part of the local Chapter 50 in Springfield and also at the Department level as the Adjutant for Louisiana. He continued volunteering there. His greatest passion and gift was helping those veterans in need by being part of the Disabled American Veterans. He would still be doing that, if he were able.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at 2:00 pm on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon prior to the service. Interment will be in All Saints Mausoleum within Metairie Cemetery.

To view and sign the family online guestbook and share your memories of Paul, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to DAV Department of Louisiana, Post Office Box 1271, Baton Rouge, LA 70821.

09/13/2026

🇺🇸 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — THE WALL THAT HEALS IS COMING TO YARMOUTH, MA 🇺🇸

DAV Department of Massachusetts is asking our members, chapters, families, and friends throughout the veteran community to help support an incredibly meaningful event coming to Cape Cod this week.

The Wall That Heals, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s traveling three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be at Parkers River Landing in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, September 17–20, 2026.

This is an opportunity for Massachusetts to honor our Vietnam veterans, remember those whose names are forever etched on the Wall, and ensure that their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

But right now, the organizers need our help.

💪 VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED:

Tuesday, September 15 — 8:00 AM
Strong, able-bodied volunteers are needed to help position the protective pads used for the tractor-trailer. The pads weigh approximately 100 pounds each and are carried by teams of four.

Tuesday, September 15 — 2:00 PM
Volunteers are needed again to remove the pads.

Wednesday, September 16 — 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Volunteers are needed to help assemble The Wall That Heals. Teams of 2–3 people will carry and install individual Wall panels weighing approximately 60–80 pounds.

Sunday, September 20 — 2:00–7:00 PM
Volunteers are needed to help dismantle The Wall following the closing ceremony.

📞 If you can help with any of these efforts, please contact Barbara-Anne Foley directly at (508) 237-3349.

The week will also include several powerful events, including the Welcome Home Ceremony on Thursday, September 17, beginning with a 9:00 AM blessing of the Wall by the Wampanoag Tribal Medicine Man, drummers, and Tribal Elders.

On Friday evening, September 18, a special Light the Night ceremony will honor those we have lost due to Agent Orange exposure and recognize those who continue to live with Agent Orange-related cancers and illnesses.

Educational tours of The Wall are also available throughout the event.

🇺🇸 DAV Massachusetts is proud to support this important tribute, and we are asking our DAV family to step up and help make it possible.

Whether you can give a few hours, lend some muscle, or simply help us spread the word by sharing this post, every bit of support matters.

We owe it to our Vietnam veterans to make sure Massachusetts gives The Wall That Heals—and the heroes it represents—the welcome and respect they deserve.

Please SHARE and help us fill these volunteer positions! 🇺🇸

08/17/2026

Donna Horton joined the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary 49 years ago and was a dedicated member of the organization throughout those years. She served as DAV Auxiliary State Commander from 1989–1990 and continued to give generously of her time and talents to the Auxiliary.

She represented Massachusetts with distinction as the National Executive Committee member for District 1 in Massachusetts.

Donna was also a Deputy and a dedicated volunteer at the VA West Roxbury Medical Center, where she continued her commitment to veterans and their families.

Donna was the beloved wife of the late Gerald Horton for 51 years. She is the devoted mother of Bob Horton and his wife Sharon, Paul Horton and his wife Joanne, Donald Horton and the late Bruce Horton.

Donna was a warm, kind, gentle and loyal daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend who will be deeply missed.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Donna’s Family on Wednesday, August 19th from 4-7pm in the Doherty – Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden Street READING. Parking attendants and elevator are available.

View Donna Lee (Drury) Horton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/12/2026

08/12/2026

Only a few foursomes left for our 17th annual DAV Department of Massachusetts Golf Tournament. Click here to register

https://davma.org/event/17th-annual-dav-ma-corporate-golf-tournament/