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'Critical shortage' of volunteer drivers in Massena and Ogdensburg prompts upcoming volunteer drive

Posted 3/28/16

OGDENSBURG -- Citing a “critical shortage” of volunteer drivers in Massena and Ogdensburg, Disabled American Veterans will host a volunteer drive April 2. It will be at Amvets Post 19, 215 Ford …

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'Critical shortage' of volunteer drivers in Massena and Ogdensburg prompts upcoming volunteer drive

Posted

OGDENSBURG -- Citing a “critical shortage” of volunteer drivers in Massena and Ogdensburg, Disabled American Veterans will host a volunteer drive April 2.

It will be at Amvets Post 19, 215 Ford St at 2 p.m.

They need people to drive veterans to and from medical appointments at the VA hospital in Syracuse.

Anyone seeking more information can contact regional DAV Driver Recruitment Officer Bill Gleason at 425-4343.

A statement from Gleason says:

“The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is facing a critical shortage of volunteer drivers in Massena and Ogdensburg to support its efforts in Central New York’s North Country. This may lead to many veterans not being able to get the medical care they need. With so many disabled veterans living on small fixed incomes, travel costs often give way to shelter and food. Health needs are sacrificed for everyday necessities.

These were and are our nation’s heroes. They traveled the globe to protect our freedoms. Suddenly they may be hard pressed to travel the distance from their homes to VA medical centers. Those who gave so much for our country may not get the medical treatment they so justly deserve.

Back in 1986, budget cuts came down hard on American veterans. Congress eliminated all funding for the Veteran’s Beneficiary Travel Program. No longer would the federal government reimburse veterans for the costs of transportation to VA medical facilities.

The DAV could not ignore this injustice. They began organizing volunteer drivers and privately funded vehicles to transport veterans in communities across the U.S. Today this Transportation Network carries more than half a million veterans to and from their appointments at no cost. Throughout the country, DAV Hospital Service Coordinators manage transportation programs at more than 180 VA medical facilities.

Can we do any less? There is a simple solution. At various locations throughout the North Country are stationed DAV vans ready to transport our veterans. What is lacking is manpower.

If you live near Massena or Ogdensburg and can spare a few days a month, we need your help. You can make all the difference in these veterans’ lives.”