Editor,

As the chapter commander of DAV Chapter No. 47 in Oak Harbor, on behalf of our members, I would like to thank all of the local businesses for supporting our annual Forget-Me-Not drive.

We are grateful to the citizens of Whidbey Island and surrounding communities for donating so generously on Veterans Day.

All donations received will go toward purchase of a new van.

The van transports veterans from Island County and four other counties up and down the Interstate 5 corridor to the Seattle VA Medical Center, Monday through Friday.

Regulations mandate for the safety of all motorists the van may not be used for transportation beyond 200,000 miles. Currently, our van has 180,000 miles.

We have approximately six more months of usage before we will need to replace the van. Currently we are averaging 100 veteran riders per month.

If you are a veteran in need of a ride to the VAMC, please call 360-257-4801 weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As we strive to provide services, we are always in need of Volunteer Drivers and Chapter Service Officers.

If you would like more information on volunteering your time please call the office and speak to a service officer.

It is a privilege to live in such a giving community that supports its veterans.

Charles ”Muggs” Monahan

Commander, DAV Ch. 47