Veterans need our help, volunteer to drive
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Editor,
There is a lot of talk about the VA and the poor service that our veterans are getting from our government. You and I are that government. The Disabled American Veterans are trying to help local vets get to VA medical appointments but because the Ronan DAV program is down to one driver it cannot meet the needs of all vets that require our help. The Ronan DAV has lost one of the two vans because of the lack of drivers. You can make a great impact on our community and veterans by becoming a volunteer.
Drivers are desperately needed to keep this service afloat. If you are between the age of 18 and not yet dead but in good health you can be a driver. This is a 100 percent volunteer service and drivers only drive as often as they are able. There is no pressure to drive more than you want or can. If we can get enough drivers there is only a need to drive two or three times a month. We drive vets from the Mission Valley (Arlee - Polson) to doctor appointments in Kalispell, Missoula and to the Veterans hospital at Ft. Harrison in Helena.
To be eligible to drive, a person must have a valid Montana driver’s license and insurance, be drug-free and able to pass a background check and driver’s physical. These checks and physical are provided at no charge to all volunteers by the VA. An application packet is available by contacting one of the following: Kerry Patton, Voluntary Service Program Support Assistant, 406-44 7-7407; Ed Gottfried, DAV driver, 406-239-3763; Stanley Rube, DAV dispatcher, Kalispell, 406- 297-1496.
Thank you for considering this plea for help.
Ed Gottfried, DAV driver
St. Ignatius
