[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 74 (Monday, June 12, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S5714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BROOKINGS CHAPTER OF DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, it is with great honor that I rise 
today to congratulate the Brookings chapter of Disabled American 
Veterans on their 25th anniversary, which will be celebrated on July 1, 
2006.
  Disabled American Veterans, an organization with over 1.2 million 
members, is focused on building better lives for disabled veterans and 
their families. The organization strives to meet this goal by providing 
free assistance to veterans in an attempt to obtain benefits and 
services earned through their military service. Because it is not a 
governmental agency, Disabled American Veterans is fully funded by 
membership dues and public contributions.
  At the conclusion of World War I, Disabled American Veterans was 
created to help ease the suffering caused by the effects of World War 
I. Since the beginning, Disabled American Veterans has continually 
grown and adapted to the needs of disabled veterans. Today, Disabled 
American Veterans is committed to making sure the veterans of Iraq and 
Afghanistan are well cared for upon their return from service.
  In 1986, the Disabled American Veterans transportation program was 
initiated in South Dakota. The following year, this program quickly 
expanded to become nationwide. This program is designed to provide free 
rides for all veterans to VA facilities so that they may attend 
scheduled appointments. In 2005, the South Dakota program alone 
transported over 20,000 veterans to VA hospitals.
  On July 1, 2006, the Brookings chapter of Disabled American Veterans 
will celebrate their 25th anniversary. This celebration, which will be 
held at the Brookings Pizza Ranch, is designed to honor the 11 
surviving charter members. Mr. President, I am proud to have the 
opportunity to honor these members and their committed service. I 
strongly commend their years of hard work and dedication and am very 
pleased that their extensive efforts are being publicly honored and 
celebrated.

                          ____________________