 Thank you President Jimerson and thank each and every one of you for being here. Good morning everyone, welcome to the nation's foremost veterans advocacy conference. As DAB leaders, everyone in this room knows the potential our annual midwinter conference can unlock. Looking out across this gathering, I'm reminded that there simply couldn't be a DAV without your hard work, dedication, and commitment to our mission of keeping our promise to America's veterans. It is because of you that DAV remains the premier veterans organization. Standing here at this podium, I cannot help but think of the day that you elected me as your national commander last August in Orlando. One of our greatest strengths is our collective and collaborative voice. When we move, more than one million DAV members stand united and there's nothing that we can't accomplish for the well-being of all veterans and their families and survivors. We are a grassroots organization with a rich history stretching far back over a century and when we speak, people listen. Perhaps nowhere else is that more apparent and more needed than right here besides our nation's capital. Our elected officials are just across the river and DAV certainly carries influence in the halls of Congress, but that doesn't just suddenly happen, it isn't just plucked out of thin air, no that trust has been built over time. The DAV leaders that came before us ensured that we could carry that torch for our fellow veterans and it's our job to ensure that the leaders of tomorrow do the same. It is often said that as veterans, we wrote a blank check made payable to this country for an amount up to and including our life. While much of the attention of that transaction rightly focuses on the brave men and women who raised the right hand, we should also be mindful of those who sent us in harm's way and whose charge is now to care for us when we return. The service and sacrifice of all who have worn the uniform shouldn't go unnoticed. That's part of what we're doing at this event, reminding those responsible for sending veterans in the harm's way that it's their duty now and it didn't stop there, it extends well beyond after the battle has been fought. And when they need reminding of their sacred obligation, DAV is there. This week they're going to find out that there's no better advocate for veterans than the veterans themselves. That's what Judge Robert Marks, our founder meant when he set out to create an organization of our own, an organization of us, by us, and for us. When you meet with your congressional members this week, your very presence will put a human face and it's seemingly arcane and often complex policy debates. We are here to help you prepare for these important face-to-face meetings and I encourage you to attend the benefits protection and legislative workshop later today right here. Joy Elam, our national legislative director and her team will go over DAV's legislative priorities and critical policy goals. Having this information will prove invaluable later this week and long after you return home. By staying up to date on the issues impacting the veteran landscape, you will have a greater impact on those who write our nation's laws and oversee the Department of Veterans Affairs. And having a substantial impact on veterans lives is something DAV knows all about. Take for example, the issue of toxic exposure. We are already leading the charge on burn pits back in 2008 long before military and legislative leaders fully realized the severity of the problem and last year DAV was instrumental in getting the honoring our PAC Act to the president's desk. I was proud to join DAV's legislative team at the White House when this historic piece of legislation was signed into law, but that was just a final step in a long and arduous process that DAV had been part of since the very beginning. Unfortunately, exposure to harmful substances during service is nothing new. From chemical attacks in World War I to Agent Orange in Vietnam, the radiation and more, the reality is that being exposed to toxic chemicals seems to be characteristic of service. But what is new is how our nation responds and takes care of those suffering from the deadly effects it has on nation's health, on veterans health. And I'm proud to say that the PAC Act is the largest expansion of veterans benefits ever. DAV's work on this from the very beginning back in 2007 when National Chief Communications Outreach Officer Dan Clair leaked an important memo on burn pits to the media while he was deployed in Iraq and it led directly to DAV starting a burn pit registry that was the forerunner to the VA's burn pit registry today. It's no surprise to those in this room that DAV was the first veterans organization to bring this crucial issue to the nation's forefront. But our work is far from done. We must ensure that Congress and the VA fully and faithfully implement this exceptional law and continue to evaluate and identify gaps and benefit shortcomings for those still suffering from their exposure. Another issue DAV has in its sights is the topic of veteran mental health. As a Vietnam veteran I know all too well that after the guns go silent the battle still continues for way too many. Paired with bleak economic prospects including historic inflation, basic health concerns and loneliness and isolation, and the emotions of trauma, those can all swirl around and create a perfect storm for those suffering mental health challenges. And while it's heartening to see the veteran suicide rate decrease over the past two years, the only acceptable number is zero. You know when veterans find themselves in crisis they should expect to find a supportive mental health system within the VA which is why DAV has made improving and expanding those services a priority. Tragically the risk of suicide for veterans is still much higher than other Americans. In 2021 veterans were 57% more likely to die by suicide than other civilian peers. And women veterans are two and a half times as likely to die by suicide compared with non-veteran adult women. I know these facts and figures are jarring as they should be. It should bother everyone here, it should bother everyone in the nation to know that so many veterans are losing their battles with such pernicious demons. If you're looking for a way to make a difference you have by being here ready to engage in this delicate but critical issue that's facing each and every one of us in our communities. You're right here in the foxhole helping to cover your buddies in the darkest moments. Keep them in your heart this week. And while I'm on the subject everyone here should be aware of the new 988 number. This new national suicide hotline number can literally save lives. Veterans can automatically get connected to the veterans crisis line by simply dialing 988 and then press number one excuse me. And now any veteran in mental health crisis can seek free treatment in any emergency room in the country. And I'm stressing that any VA or non-VA medical facilities and the veterans do not have to even need to be enrolled in VA healthcare for this benefit. You know throughout our more than 100 year history between the sifting sands of American conflicts one constant remains. Dedicated individuals such as yourselves. You are not content to just sit on the sidelines of life. No you are all very much players on the absolute best team that any of us could ever ask for. Taking care of veterans is in DAB history and our DNA. It is the building block of everything that we do and your actions this week will build a stronger foundation for the future DAB leaders. I've asked a lot of you just now but let me leave you with one more final request. When you visit your elected officials in person this week keeping your heart the reason for us all being here and have the passion nestled in your advocacy. Thank you all so very much for being here. Let me have an ex and let you let's all have an excellent midwinter conference. Thank you and God bless each and every one of you. I love you all.