Commander John B. Wells Awarded DAR Medal of Honor for Lifetime of Service
Military-Veterans Advocacy is proud to announce that Commander John B. Wells, USN (Ret.), has received the Daughters of the American Revolution Medal of Honor for his lifetime of service to the nation and America’s veterans.
The award recognizes Wells’ distinguished military career and decades of advocacy on behalf of service members, veterans and their families.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Service
Wells served in the United States Navy before retiring at the rank of commander. His commitment to those who served continued long after his military retirement.
As an attorney and veterans advocate, Wells has worked to address systemic barriers preventing veterans from receiving the recognition and benefits they earned. His efforts have included federal litigation, congressional advocacy, public education and direct engagement with veterans organizations nationwide.
Wells founded Military-Veterans Advocacy to challenge policies and legal interpretations that unfairly exclude veterans from benefits.
Fighting for Blue Water Navy Veterans
One of the defining efforts of Wells’ advocacy has been the fight for Blue Water Navy veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.
For years, veterans who served aboard ships offshore were denied the same presumption of herbicide exposure available to many veterans who served on land or inland waterways.
MVA’s litigation and advocacy played an important role in challenging that exclusion. The landmark Procopio v. Wilkie decision recognized that qualifying service in the Republic of Vietnam included service within its territorial sea.
That victory helped pave the way for expanded benefits for tens of thousands of Blue Water Navy veterans and their survivors.
Advocating for Veterans Affected by Toxic Exposure
Wells has also worked extensively on behalf of veterans exposed to toxic substances and environmental hazards during military service.
His advocacy has addressed issues involving:
- Agent Orange and other herbicides
- Burn pits
- Radiation exposure
- Contaminated military installations
- Veterans who served in Guam, Okinawa and other locations
- Military dependents affected by toxic exposure
- Gulf War illness and chronic service-related conditions
Many of these veterans have spent years attempting to document exposure, establish service connection and obtain appropriate recognition from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Wells’ work has helped bring these issues before federal courts, Congress, government agencies and the public.
Litigation, Legislation and Education
Under Wells’ leadership, MVA developed a three-part approach to veterans advocacy: litigation, legislation and education.
When a government policy conflicts with federal law or improperly limits veterans’ rights, MVA may challenge that policy in court. When litigation identifies a gap in existing law, MVA works with Congress to pursue a legislative solution. Through education and outreach, the organization helps veterans and policymakers understand the issues and their real-world consequences.
This comprehensive approach reflects Wells’ belief that meaningful change often requires persistence across multiple branches of government.
Recognition from the Daughters of the American Revolution
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution honors individuals whose service reflects exceptional commitment to the nation and their communities.
The DAR Medal of Honor recognizes Wells’ lifetime of service—first in uniform and later as an advocate working to protect the rights of others who served.
“This recognition reflects Commander Wells’ unwavering dedication to veterans and military families,” said MVA Chairman Jim Kuiken, Sergeant Major, USMC (Ret.). “His work has changed laws, challenged unjust policies and helped veterans across generations receive the benefits they earned.”
The Mission Continues
Although the award recognizes decades of achievement, Wells’ advocacy continues.
As Executive Director of Military-Veterans Advocacy, he remains engaged in federal litigation, legislative reform, toxic-exposure advocacy and efforts to protect veterans from predatory claims practices.
MVA congratulates Commander Wells on this distinguished honor and thanks the Daughters of the American Revolution for recognizing his lifetime of service to the nation and its veterans.
