Chapter Frequently Asked Questions

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Disabled American Veterans, Gainesville - Hall County Georgia, Chapter 17, Inc., the Gainesville, GA Chapter of the National Disabled American Veterans (DAV), is a 501(C)(4), federally incorporated, fully Better Business Bureau verified veterans' organization using their tax-deductible donations to empower veterans and their families to lead quality lives in Northern Georgia.

If you’re a Chapter member who hasn’t been active, you’re invited to be active again by coming to meetings and be a resource for Veterans again.

In any case, you’re invited to attend a Chapter meeting as a visitor to see your local DAV Chapter in action and ask any questions about it and the National DAV that you might have.

The Chapter's monthly General Meeting is held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, from 7-8PM.at 

American Legion Post 7

2343 Riverside Dr.

Gainesville, GA 30501

(Past the Riverside Military Academy and Riverside Water Treatment Plant on Riverside Drive)

A Legacy of Service, Hope for the Future

DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year. Last year, the organization provided more than 163,000 rides to veterans attending medical appointments and assisted in filing over 151,000 claims for benefits. In 2021, DAV-represented veterans received more than $25 billion in earned benefits. DAV’s services are offered at no cost to all generations of veterans, their families and survivors.  DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs and providing resources to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the American Dream their sacrifices have made possible.  With over 1,200 chapters and more than 1 million members across the country, DAV empowers our nation’s heroes and their families by helping to provide the resources they need and ensuring our nation keeps the promises made to them.

If you're Disabled Veteran (with any level of VA disability rating), and not a DAV member, you're invited to attend a meeting, apply for DAV and Chapter membership and start being a resource for Veterans!

Membership is open to any veteran wounded, gassed, injured (to any degree) or disabled in the line of duty during time of war and to persons who have been awarded expeditionary or campaign medals.  Refer to the DAV Membership Eligibility section of the DAV Membership application for complete details.

Join more than 1 million of your fellow veterans who have joined DAV to take advantage of the wide range of member advantages.  DAV is an organization of veterans helping veterans. We receive no government funding and look out for our members 100% of the time because we have been in their shoes. We are proud of our 100+ year history of helping our country’s veterans, proud of our record of fighting for your rights and proud of working alongside so many other non-profits and advocacy organizations to make sure that we fulfill our promises to the men and women who have served. Most of all, we are proud to serve our country’s veterans as you so steadfastly served us.  Membership in DAV includes access to a wide range of money-saving advantages for you and your family. These generous partners stand by our veterans through a variety of programs, products and services.

You can consider joinig the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary (DAVA).

Since 1922 the DAVA has partnered with the DAV parent organization in their mission of service to disabled veterans and their families. That relationship has continued to flourish and the blended organizations have achieved many victories in their quest to improve the quality of life our veterans rightly deserve.

With nearly a quarter-million members, the DAVA programs are far-reaching and the personal rewards fulfilling.

Our members are diverse in their interests which is what has made the DAVA so successful. Our programs include Americanism, Community Service, Junior Activities, Legislative, and VA Voluntary Services. Foremost in our hearts is the goal of assuring benefit entitlement and compassion for our disabled veterans and their families.

Contact us at officers@dav-ga17.org if you're interested in joining the DAVA.

When deciding where and how to donate to veterans, it’s important to do your homework to ensure you’re donating to a reputable charity. You want to know about the organization you are donating to, understand the mission and vision of that veteran nonprofit, and—most importantly—know your money is going to the cause that you support and that it is making an impact. The last thing you want is to fall victim to donation scams.

The truth about DAV

DAV was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. For over a century, DAV has been among the best and most impactful veterans charities.  Our annual report shows the scope and impact of our accomplishments on behalf of veterans, their families and their survivors.  We do not receive any government funding. The services we provide to ensure our nation’s heroes live their lives with respect and dignity are only made possible through the generous giving of the caring public.

What percentage of DAV donations actually helps veterans?

We do not receive any government funding—our programs are operated solely from the generous giving of the caring public. As such, we are very mindful of the use of the donations we receive and make sure they are used as efficiently as possible to fulfill our mission of ensuring all disabled veterans have the right to live their lives with respect and dignity. In 2021, 81% of our contributions directly benefited veterans and families.

Do DAV service programs overlap or duplicate government programs?

No. DAV programs pick up and fill the void left by government agencies. This is especially true given government budget cutbacks, which have made the need for DAV’s services greater over the past several years.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. DAV is a tax-exempt organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible according to IRS regulations.

How do I know if I am really donating to DAV?

There have been instances in the past where other organizations have used—both intentionally and unintentionally—DAV’s name or a very close likeness to raise funds. DAV has been serving veterans and their families for nearly a century, and we closely safeguard our reputation to ensure our donors feel they are giving to the best veterans charity.

If you have any questions about the legitimacy of a DAV fundraising request—whether made by mail, telephone, email or website—or if you suspect you may be targeted by a scam using DAV’s name, please contact our national headquarters at 877-426-2838 to verify that the request is from DAV.