Centenarian Billy Kirby champions veterans care and DAV advocacy

Few have seen the full arc of veterans care like Billy Kirby. A World War II veteran who was gravely injured in Italy in 1944 and served as DAV national commander in 1988, he has witnessed—and helped shape—the Department of Veterans Affairs’ evolution from overcrowded hospitals to a more comprehensive system.

Kirby’s own military service was cut short. At age 23, while fighting at the Battle of Rapido River (nicknamed the “Bloody River”) in Italy, he was shot in his right shoulder and nearly lost his arm.

Two years later, even after extensive therapy in Army hospitals, Kirby was unable to physically perform a salute.

He was medically discharged in 1946, but his service to others continued through the decades with DAV as a benefits advocate and congressional liaison, influencing legislation that built the modern VA.

One landmark achievement that Kirby helped push during his tenure on Capitol Hill was the creation of the VA long-term care and nursing home programs in the 1960s.

“The VA hospitals were full because they had so many long-term patients who’d had strokes or were paralyzed,” Kirby recalled.

At times, veterans were turned away. “The VA created a nursing home program that could take and treat those long-term patients,” he said. “I think that was the most important legislation we had.”

These programs delivered lifelong care; freed hospitals for acute needs; and established cost-effective, veteran-focused treatment.

Yet Kirby, having seen so much improvement, has warned that gains are fragile.

“The VA hospitals are in constant danger,” Kirby said. “We need people doing the work.”

DAV National Adjutant Barry Jesinoski, who has counted on Kirby as a confidant and close associate throughout his DAV career, agreed with that assessment of potential peril.

“When veterans disengage, decisions about us will still get made. It just happens without our voices at the table,” Jesinoski said. “DAV’s role as an advocacy engine depends on participation from our members and community. Commander Kirby’s career is an excellent example of service in action, and his leadership forged paths that continue to help veterans today.”

Today’s VA bears the mark of such advocacy. “Every program we’ve got, we had to fight hard to get, and it can be taken away just as quickly,” Kirby said. “Know the importance of DAV and activism.”