 Last February, in response to the 2013 federal government shutdown, DAV launched Operation Keep the Promise, a year-long campaign to protect veterans' benefits during possible government shutdowns in the future. Throughout the year, DAV talked, Congress listened, and in large part to that because the efforts of DAV members, advance appropriations were secured in last December's Federal Omnibus Spending Bill. It was a legislative victory for all veterans that ensured their hard-earned and much-needed benefits will never again fall victim to partisan battles in Washington. In the spirit of that success, DAV's continuing Operation Keep the Promise in 2015, with this year's effort focusing on expanding caregiver benefits to all generations of veterans and fighting for change on behalf of our nation's 2.4 million women veterans. This year's campaign kicked off in February during DAV's annual midwinter conference in Washington, where attendees marched into congressional offices to meet with lawmakers from across the country and voice their concerns. DAV National Commander Ron Hope also presented the organization's 2015 legislative agenda before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees to underscore the importance of these issues. As a nation, we must ensure that the needs of all veterans are met. Currently, the DAV's caregiver support program only provides benefits to caregivers of veterans injured after 9-11. This policy excludes the needs of previous generations of veterans and puts undue strain on their caregivers. After Operation Keep the Promise 2015, DAV will work to expand caregiver benefits from stipends in health care to respite care and education and training for caregivers of ill and injured veterans of all wartime eras. Concerning women veterans, DAV will continue advocating for change from equipping VA medical centers with the ability to adequately treat victims of sexual assault to creating gender-sensitive mental health programs and establishing a pilot program of structured transition support groups for women. Operation Keep the Promise may still be in its infancy, but DAV's dedication to veterans and their families is not. Please join DAV throughout 2015 as we continue fighting to expand caregiver benefits and meet the many important needs of our nation's women veterans. A promise was made to our men and women who sacrificed life and limb in service to our nation. Through Operation Keep the Promise 2015, DAV will continue its efforts to empower them to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity, and ensure Congress will