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Thousands of disabled vets face real needs that government programs can't meet. Responding are volunteers from the DAV and its Auxiliary - joined by growing numbers of other Americans.
Travel benefit cuts left many vets with no way to get to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities for needed treatment. They're men and women who answered our country's call in times of war. Many lost limbs, sight, hearing, or good health.
They may live a great distance from a VA hospital, and because so many exist on small fixed incomes, they find that the cost of transportation to a VA hospital is just too high. They're left with two choices. They could go without the treatment they need, or skimp on food or other necessities to pay for transportation.
Vets disabled in our nation's service should never face such dire options. So DAV and Auxiliary volunteers responded, driving vets to and from VA hospitals and clinics. Other grateful Americans are helping too. It's all part of the DAV Transportation Network, administered by DAV Hospital Service Coordinators (HSCs) at the VA's 172 medical centers. The DAV has also donated vans, where needed, to make the program work.
Like all medical facilities, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics need volunteers. These volunteers are needed because many hospitalized vets have no family or friends, and they are very far from home.
What volunteers do for patients at VA medical facilities can be as basic, and as important, as just being a friend in the trying days of illness and therapy. DAV and Auxiliary VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) volunteers bring a touch home...a personal contact with the world outside the hospital walls...the feeling that patients are remembered, that they're still a part of the community.
These volunteers perform a wide range of duties. Some enjoy direct contact with patients, participate in recreational programs and other activities on the wards. Other volunteers assist the VA's professional staff in several ways that involve little patient contact. No matter what your inclination may be, there's a volunteer role you'll enjoy. And you'll show our country's hospitalized vets you're grateful for their sacrifices.
If you would like to be a volunteer, please email us.
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