Commander
The commander preside at all regular or special meetings of the chapter. He/she shall maintain order and dispatch such business as may legally come before him/her. All checks or vouchers issued by the chapter treasurer may be countersigned by the commander. He/she shall perform all other duties that may reasonably be assumed to be incidental to the office, including those set forth in the chapter’s Constitution and Bylaws and in the Official DAV Ritual and such other duties as may be lawfully delegated to him/her by the chapter.
Senior Vice Commander
The senior vice commander shall perform the duties of his/her station as set forth in the Official DAV Ritual. He/she shall encourage friendship among the members of this organization, discourage discord and promote harmony. Subject to the direction of the chapter, he/she shall act as chairperson of membership solicitation activities to the end that every eligible veteran may become a member. With the approval of the chapter, the senior vice commander may appoint one or more members to assist him/ her in such membership activities. The senior vice commander may not serve as adjutant or treasurer.
Treasurer
The duties of the treasurer will vary from chapter to chapter. In most instances, the treasurer holds the funds deposited with him/her and pays them out when approved by the chapter. All financial disbursements of the chapter must be made by 6 check. All checks must include the signature of at least two officers. He/she shall keep a system of accounts approved by the chapter and shall preserve all receipts and checks or vouchers for payments made. He/she shall render a monthly report (Figure 3) of receipts and expenditures to the chapter no later than the first regular chapter meeting following the last day of each calendar month. This form can be downloaded from the Member Resources section of our website at dav. org/membersresources/all alpha.
Chapter Service Officer/Benefits Protection Team Leader
Chapter Service Officers In everything we do, DAV has one goal provide all injured and ill veterans and their dependents the best service and most professional claims representation available from any source. Keeping this in mind, it is imperative for us to reach out to those who need our assistance. Chapter service officers (CSOs) are an integral part of this goal, as specifically outlined in Goal 1 of our Strategic Plan.
1st Junior Vice Commander
The junior vice commander performs the duties of his/her station as set forth in the Official DAV Ritual. He/she shall see that every member is given a reasonable opportunity to state his/her views on any subject under discussion in a meeting of the chapter, not inconsistent with the chapter’s Constitution and Bylaws or Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised. He/she shall, at all times, encourage loyalty to the United States of America, to DAV and to the members of the chapter. Subject to the direction of the chapter, he/she shall act as chairperson of the Americanism activities of the chapter and, with the approval of the chapter, may appoint one or more members to assist him/her as such chairperson.
Chaplain/Judge Advocate
The chaplain is responsible for leading the opening prayer of the chapter meetings. The chaplain is the spiritual leader of the chapter and may be called upon to represent the chapter at the funeral services for deceased members, send sympathy cards and visit members of the chapter or their family members who are ill.
Sergeant-At-Arms
The sergeant-at-arms assists the commander in preserving order during chapter meetings. The sergeant-at-arms is responsible for verifying the membership of those in attendance when required to do so by the nature of business (i.e., election of officers or delegates, private matters requiring the protection of personal rights). The sergeant-at-arms may be responsible for handling the physical arrangements of the meeting hall. Officer of the Day The officer of the day is responsible for maintaining a list of visitors at chapter meetings and introducing visitors when called upon by the commander. The officer of the day is also responsible for escorting visitors and others to the podium, when directed by the commander.
Adjutant
The adjutant is responsible for keeping the chapter’s records and managing the chapter’s official correspondence. He/she must keep detailed records of the chapter’s meetings and business affairs. All motions considered by the chapter should be recorded along with the names of the members who make, second or speak on motions. All monies received or spent by the chapter must be recorded in his/her records.
