June 3, 2010
DAV Transportation Network vans can be seen traveling the highways and back roads of America every day transporting sick and disabled veterans to their VA medical appointments and home again.
The vans are highly visible with colorful décor, but the great support of the Columbia Trust that helps put them on the road isn’t as apparent. The Trust, created in 1996 as a restricted fund within the DAV National Service Foundation, is a vital tool in providing support for our many programs and services, and has been a great boon to the Transportation Network.
Last year, 152 Transportation Network vans went into service to assist our most needy veterans. The Columbia Trust’s partnerships with Chapters and Departments, along with the support of the Ford Motor Company’s commercial fleet program, have sustained this effort over the last two decades. The total Trust expenditure for the vans last year was nearly $3.46 million dollars.
In addition to support for the Transportation Network, the Columbia Trust provides fuel for the engine that drives the many new programs that Departments and Chapters find are needed, but lack the funds to put them in place.
“The Trust provides the funding so that Chapters and Departments find innovative ways to serve disabled veterans and their families in their communities to guarantee they receive the unique services they need,” said National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson.
“The Trust remains an essential initiative that allows Chapters and Departments which are blessed with funds to help others that have needs for services but not the resources.”
“Our Columbia Trust has become a tremendous program to improve service to disabled veterans and their families,” said Foundation President Gary P. Burns.
Since the Trust was established to help Chapters and Departments serve disabled veterans throughout our nation, nearly $17 million has been awarded in grants to service programs.
“The Columbia Trust continues to provide needed services,” said Burns. “Through it, and the dedication of our members, we can see a future of limitless possibilities and opportunities to provide innovative services for those returning from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, and to veterans of all wars.”
Thanks to the Columbia Trust, thousands of veterans ride in DAV Transportation Network vans. In addition, the Trust also supports Hospital Service Coordinators who dedicate their time scheduling passengers and serving those who need assistance. They ensure the mission of the DAV is fulfilled daily.
“The Trust does tremendously useful work,” said Wilson. “Its results are far more than the dollars and cents provided. It instills hope and compassion for disabled veterans and their families.”
Click to visit the National Service Foundation.