[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 179 (Tuesday, October 20, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

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                     HON. JENNIFFER GONZALEZ-COLON

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 2020

  Miss GONZALEZ-COLON of Puerto Rico. Madam Speaker, it is with great 
respect that I pay special tribute to the organization of Disabled 
American Veterans (DAV).
  This year marks the 100th anniversary of the formation of this 
organization created by and for disabled American veterans on September 
25, 1920.
  The DAV provides assistance to more than 1 million veterans every 
year to connect them with healthcare, disability, employment, 
education, and financial benefits they have earned through their 
military service.
  Puerto Rico joined the DAV in 1973 and has since faithfully 
endeavored to fulfill its mission of empowering veterans to lead high-
quality lives with respect and dignity.
  This commendable organization has submitted more than 11.7 million 
claims nationwide for the past century on behalf of service members as 
they make critical transitions into civilian life. A transition that is 
particularly difficult to those returning home after enduring wars and 
are in special need of attention and care from our grateful nation.
  Sadly, this year alone, military suicides have increased by as much 
as 20 percent compared to the same period in 2019 as members struggle 
under COVID-19, war zone deployments, national disasters, and civil 
unrest.
  The DAV not only provides a place of trust and compassion to our 
wounded veterans but most importantly a place to outreach veteran 
concerns before Congress and federal agencies like the Department of 
Veterans to bring representation to these service members.
  On this day we pause to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the DAV, 
worthy of our gratitude to the sacrifice of countless men and women 
from all corners of our great nation who together with their brothers 
and sisters in arms from Puerto Rico, answered the call of freedom and 
the defense of Democracy around the World.
  Veterans need our help today as much as they did 100 years ago. For 
this reason, I'm proud to recognize the Disable American Veteran on 
their 100th Anniversary and commend their outstanding support to 
America's injured and ill veterans and their families.

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