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The Disabled Veteran Empowerment Network: Connecting Veterans to Critical Support Resources

The Disabled Veteran Empowerment Network (DVEN) was created to serve a critical, underserved population: disabled veterans and their families who need access to genuine benefits, support resources, and community connections.  DVEN recognizes that many veterans are cancer survivors who face compounded challenges—not only managing their cancer journey but also addressing service-related disabilities and conditions such as PTSD.

Why DVEN Exists

With approximately 22 million veterans in the U.S. population today, the veteran community faces substantial hardship. Roughly 30% of veterans from recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have service-related disabilities, and nearly 8% live in poverty. Among older veterans, 16% carry service-related injuries with 7% experiencing poverty. The Veterans Administration provides medical care for over 5 million veterans, diagnosing more than 40,000 with cancer annually—a staggering number that underscores the urgent need for specialized veteran support.

The realization that many veteran cancer survivors simultaneously cope with PTSD and other service-related conditions led to the creation of DVEN as a dedicated resource hub. Rather than treating veteran support as a secondary focus, DVEN operates as a distinct program with its own dedicated website and resources, reflecting the unique needs and culture of the military veteran community.

Our Mission: Connecting Veterans to Authentic Resources

DVEN’s primary mission is to connect disabled veterans, their caregivers, and supporters with genuine benefits provided by the Veterans Administration and vetted veteran charities and support organizations. By curating trusted resources and eliminating barriers to access, DVEN empowers veterans and their families to navigate the complex landscape of available support—from cancer survivorship programs to mental health resources, community organizations, and government benefits they’ve earned through their service.

Recognizing that many veterans are also cancer survivors facing compounded health challenges, DVEN actively supports three complementary organizations: the Cancer Journeys Foundation, which provides survivorship resources and community for all cancer patients; the Prostate Cancer Awareness Project, which focuses on early detection and monitoring for veterans and all men concerned about prostate cancer; and ProstateTracker, a free digital tool that helps men track PSA trends and identify early warning signs.

By supporting these cancer-focused programs, DVEN ensures that disabled veterans dealing with service-related cancer diagnoses have access to comprehensive survivorship support, specialized prostate cancer resources, and the tools they need to take an active role in their health management and recovery.

• Cancer Journeys Foundation
• The Prostate Cancer Awareness Project
• Prostate Tracker

Thank you for visiting DVEN and for supporting our veteran community.

Warm regards,

Robert Hess

Member:
Disabled American Veterans
Veterans of Foreign Wars
The American Legion