CALDWELL COUNTY, NC (January 3, 2017)…The Disabled American Veterans of Caldwell County is experiencing difficulty concerning their Veterans Transportation program. They have lost 3 of their 4 drivers.
The DAV Transportation program has been providing FREE transportation for veterans for over 20 years. The veteran (male or female) is picked up at their house and taken to VA Hospitals in the area including Salisbury, Asheville, Hickory, Winston-Salem and Charlotte. They graciously wait for the veteran during their appointment and then bring them home. The DAV Transportation program is not equipped to handle wheelchair bound veterans. If a veteran is in a wheelchair and is able to move themselves into the van and then at the destination, unassisted move to a wheelchair, then we can transport. If a veteran needs a care giver to accompany them, with doctors’ orders, they will also transport them. The drivers are not allowed to assist in any way.
All drivers are given a free medical exam. Their driver’s licenses are also verified and checked for any violations. A current driver will train other drivers concerning the procedures to be followed. Our local chapter will schedule a trip for a volunteer to Asheville for exam and application.
Two years ago they learned that Catawba County did not provide this service to its veterans so the Caldwell County DAV requested that they be allowed to service the veterans of Catawba County as well. It was approved and then sixteen months ago a new 2015 Flex Van was added to provide better coverage.
The Caldwell County DAV currently needs volunteers to drive, whether it be weekly or just one day a week. They are quite flexible in assisting with the volunteer’s schedule. Health issues caused the loss of the three divers.
All veterans MUST contact the Caldwell County DAV at least two days in advance of their appointment. They have to verify the appointment and schedule the trip. The DAV coordinator will contact the veteran and let them know when they will be picked up. Veterans will arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time.
If the Caldwell County DAV cannot find driver volunteers, they will be forced to cut back this much needed service. Any assistance and help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You, Larry Hill (Post Commander Chapter 6 can be contacted at 828-396-5935)