U.S. Navy veteran John Donovan is the newest national commander of the nearly 1 million-member DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
The Arkansas native, who himself is disabled, was unanimously elected Aug. 5 during the organization’s 104th national convention, held in Orlando, Fla. He was previously elected as national senior vice commander at DAV’s 2025 national convention in Las Vegas, and most recently served as adjutant for the Department of Arkansas and vice chairperson of DAV’s national board of directors.
He also previously served as a national executive committee member for District 21 from 2019 to 2021 and was on DAV’s national board of directors at the same time.
“As your national commander, I promise that you will see me in your chapters and communities. I will listen far more than I speak. I will celebrate your successes, learn from your ideas, and work beside you,” Donovan told more than 2,000 DAV members and supporters in attendance.
“Because leadership in DAV has never been about standing behind a podium. It has always been about standing beside our members, serving together, solving problems together, and moving our mission forward together,” he added.
DAV’s membership fell slightly to under 1 million members in 2025.
Donovan’s Earned Respect From His Peers
One reason Donovan was unanimously selected, according to the organization, is due to how others perceive him and his good deeds.
He’s been acclaimed for his hands-on volunteerism when it comes to helping the veteran community. That has included annual participation in the DAV 5K since its inception, in addition to helping organize yard cleanups and wheelchair ramp construction projects.
He has also worked with local agencies to support veterans experiencing homelessness, while partnering with food banks to assist veteran families experiencing food insecurity.
Tackling veteran suicides has also been a priority, which remains a continual challenge among the broader veteran community due to negative mental health outcomes that are often precipitated by conditions including PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. Approximately 7 out of every 100 veterans will have PTSD at some point in their life, according to the VA.
In Donovan’s case, he has worked in his home state of Arkansas to collaborate with local businesses and veterans’ organizations to expand awareness, outreach and support for those veterans in crisis.
Arkansas holds a special place in his life. He’s been a life-long DAV member of Chapter 10 in the city of Conway.
His focus from this point on involves a focus on ensuring veterans receive the benefits they have earned, strengthening the Department of Veterans Affairs, supporting caregivers and survivors, and preserving the promises made to those who served.
The organization is among those in opposition to the 60-plus mega bill package making its way through Congress, known as the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. In a July 16 press release, DAV said it was “relieved” that a House floor vote never saw the light of day.
“Commander Donovan has earned the respect of his fellow veterans at DAV through years of dedicated service,” said DAV National Adjutant Barry Jesinoski in a statement. “He’s nationally revered for his contributions to our cause and will help us tremendously as our community faces our critical legislative priorities.”
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