(This article was written by Beth Marie Cantu Ensign and was featured in the November 2024 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
For many years, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 121 has served as a vital resource for veterans in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). Chapter 121 is part of the national DAV organization, which was founded in 1920 to assist disabled veterans and their families in accessing the benefits they have earned through their service. This local chapter continues the mission by offering a wide range of services and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among its members.
DAV Chapter 121 is more than an organization—it’s a brotherhood of veterans who share a deep bond through their experiences in military service. The DAV includes veterans from all branches of the military, spanning different generations. Despite these diverse backgrounds, the members of Chapter 121 are united by a common commitment to supporting one another as they transition back into civilian life.
The dedication of DAV Chapter 121’s members to serving the local veteran community is unmistakable, and nowhere is this commitment more visible than in the leadership of Commander Jesse Garcia. “The success of our chapter has been in educating the veterans that are unaware of the benefits they qualify for,” Garcia explains. His passion for advocacy and outreach reflects the heart of Chapter 121’s mission: ensuring that no veteran is left behind, and every veteran knows there is support available to him or her.
The chapter’s members work together to help each other navigate the often-complex system of veterans' benefits, including disability claims, medical care, and other essential services. For many veterans, DAV Chapter 121 is a lifeline, offering guidance and support through the unique challenges that come with life after military service. ““For example, we… have our Vietnam era veterans that are not so computer literate and are not informed of new laws that have been passed… so we help those veterans, bringing them up to speed,” states Garcia.
A key part of DAV Chapter 121’s mission is advocating for veterans’ rights at all levels. The chapter’s service officers work closely with veterans to help them access the benefits they deserve, including disability compensation and healthcare. These officers guide veterans through the sometimes overwhelming process of filing claims, ensuring that each veteran receives the support he or she needs. “We research the veteran’s health records, with their permission, during their time of service,” Garcia explains. “And if we find something that can be connected to a disability, we submit a disability claim for them. If they have submitted a disability claim in the past and got rejected, we’ll do some more research and try to get the Veterans Administration (VA) to change their rating. In some cases, the veteran will receive back pay because the disability… was [initially] denied.”
As the DAV is a private, tax-exempt charity, it receives no funding from the government, but rather through donations and fundraising efforts. “We do our fundraising efforts throughout the year,” Commander Garcia states. The chapter hosts events that bring together veterans and community members alike, such as their Operation Pars and Stripes Golf Tournament, to help cover the expenses accrued with assisting our local veterans. Commander Garcia also mentions local businesses also help the Chapter through donations. “We get very big support through Golden Corral in Brownsville and Golden Corral in Harlingen.”
Chapter 121 is currently housed at the Ark Campus of Live Now Ministries, the chapter is grateful for the space, though they also recognize the need for growth. “Miss Cicely, she’s a very, very nice lady that runs this ministry and she is 120% veteran friendly,” Garcia states fondly. “I was able to get with her and we signed a 10-year lease for [our] building, for no pay, really… Prior to this… we didn’t have a home.”
As DAV Chapter 121 looks toward the future, it remains committed to expanding its reach and enhancing the support it provides to local veterans. Commander Garcia acknowledges that to better serve the growing community of veterans, an expansion in their space will be essential. “[Ark Campus] is perfect…We have [a home], we’re keeping it, but [we’d like to be] able to add on some office space. We have a lot of female soldiers now becoming veterans, so… One of our next projects is to build a private office to better assist our female veterans.”
Through their efforts, Chapter 121 seeks to honor the sacrifices made by America’s veterans while fostering a strong sense of community. DAV Chapter 121 aims to continue making a difference in the lives of local veterans for many years to come.
To learn more about DAV Chapter 121 or to get involved, contact their office at 956- 626-1630 or stop by the Chapter office located at 951 N Oscar Williams Road in San Benito. The chapter also maintains an active presence on Facebook where updates on meetings, events, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities can be found.
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