From the Frontlines to DAV State Commander: Donnie Houghland’s Journey of Service

Donnie Houghland, a United States Army Veteran, and the new Illinois State DAV (Disabled American Veteran) Commander, as well as a Marion VA Health Care System volunteer, has a rich background rooted in Southern Illinois. Raised in Christopher by a single mother who was one of the first female underground coal miners, Donnie was inspired by her resilience and work ethic. His mother raised three boys on her own, earning respect through hard work, a trait that instilled a strong work ethic in Donnie. “She worked twice as hard to earn her respect, as it was earned and not freely given” adds Donnie. His father, a Vietnam Veteran who served in the Army, also influenced his path. Donnie’s family has a long military heritage, tracing back through every military conflict the country has been involved in up to his enlistment.

Following his father’s footsteps, Donnie enlisted shortly after graduating from high school. He served with the 101st Airborne with the US Army during the Gulf War as a door gunner, being an Infantry Soldier. His son, influenced by his upbringing around Veterans and volunteering, now attends SIUC and is in the ROTC program. He plans to serve the country as an Officer in the US Army in combat arms, a decision that fills Donnie with pride and worry, “As a combat Veteran, I am so proud of my son to commit to serving this great nation, but it also scares me as to what he will experience during that service.”

Upon returning from his tour in the Gulf, Donnie felt compelled to join organizations that care for Veterans and their families. He joined the DAV, the VFW, and the American Legion, holding numerous positions in each of these organizations over the years as a volunteer. His experiences led him to volunteer at the Marion VA Health Care System, where he believes in putting service to others before self. “I truly enjoy working and volunteering here.” 

Donnie also discovered the DAV to be the outstanding organization that it is, in serving our nations disabled Veterans and their families. “Both my son and daughter have been volunteering since they were old enough to stand. Everything from collecting money at roadblocks for the DAV, to giving time at the Community Living Center for our brothers and sisters on hospice.” Donnie has taught his children to be compassionate human beings at a young age.

Donnie’s personal story that led him to volunteering and working with Veterans is deeply personal. His father, a Vietnam Veteran, never received the services he needed to deal with his PTSD and eventually passed away at the hospital because of a lifetime of trying to find his way back home from combat through alcohol. “This is never the answer and after my time in combat, I have a better understanding of why he tried to hide from the world but hope that with help from the amazing staff here at the Marion VA and other VA’s, that no other Veteran suffers that fate. This experience, combined with those who have helped me, has led me to want to try to help others.” 
“I do not consider myself a hero, but I have been honored to serve with and to assist those that are. I continue to work on myself with the assistance of the amazing staff here at Marion VA Health Care System, and they are helping me become a better person. I feel that volunteering is therapy for my soul.”

As the State Commander of the DAV, Donnie sees his role as an honor and a reflection of all those great people who have mentored him and have done so much more than him. His key goals throughout his time as Department Commander are to utilize his position and those around him to improve the lives of disabled Veterans and their dependents.

“I would encourage everyone to visit www.DAV.org to see all the amazing things the DAV and the DAV Auxiliary are doing. There are many challenges that our Veteran organizations face, from the medical care of our aging Veterans, employment opportunities, education opportunities, to homelessness and suicide prevention among some of the most vital, but I believe if we all work together, we can tackle these issues and do what is right.” 
His message to Veterans and the Veteran community is simple: lead by example and give what you can when you can. He was honored to serve and is honored to be allowed the opportunity to continue to serve.

“There are no small contributions in either time or effort, as you will discover each time you put others needs first, and put out in the world what you would like to receive, the world becomes a better place.”