Disabled American Vets chapter seeks volunteer drivers for medical appointments

If you’re one of the 565 veterans living in Mineral County and you do not have transportation to see your primary care provider at the VA Clinic in Missoula, what do you do?

If you’re required to go to Ft. Harrison for an eye exam or surgery, how are you going to get there?

That’s where the Disabled America Veterans comes in. Mary Jo Berry has been the Local Area Coordinator for over 10 years and has a small group of volunteers who will pick the veteran up at their door and take them to their appointment. At no cost.

Then bring them back home. At no cost. All courtesy of the DAV. 

If the vet is directed to Providence St. Patrick Hospital, Community Medical Center, Bone and Joint, etc. and it is a VA approved medical appointment, your transportation is handled.

“My biggest problem is not having enough volunteer drivers to take the vets to their appointments” Berry said. “The paperwork is a hassle but once you’re through it, you will have a physical and get fingerprinted and should be good to go within a month.”  

Not having enough drivers means that sometimes the vet who needs a ride must make other arrangements or reschedule.

Glenn Koepke of St. Regis has been the longest volunteer driver for the Mineral County DAV program and said he has thoroughly enjoyed it.

“Getting to talk with the vets, especially the older ones we have out here, has been interesting. Some like to ride without talking and others enjoy the companionship and conversation,” Koepke said.

“If a driver is unavailable for that day, I call the next one in line. But the line has gotten awfully short” said Berry.

For a vet who needs a ride or for more information on how to volunteer, call 822-2213.