Editor,

Do you know of any veterans who must take the DAV van from Oak Harbor to the VA Medical Center in Seattle?

If you do, ask and they will tell you it would not be possible without dedicated volunteer drivers ready to transport them.

Currently, our volunteer list has been diminishing due to illness, age and other reasons.

We are in dire need of drivers.

There are some days that veterans miss their appointments or struggle to find other ways to get there because there is an insufficient number of available drivers.

As the DAV chapter commander, I am challenging all veteran and service organizations to either offer volunteers or help us seek out dedicated individuals willing to give back to their local heroes.

For anyone interested, there are hurdles to jump in order to drive for the VA, to include background checks, VA physical, training, etc.

This is a yearly requirement so a commitment by the individual would be needed. Just to be clear, anyone with a valid driver’s license and good driving record can apply.

If you would like to give back to veterans who have given so much to our country, as well as our community, come by the DAV office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and fill out an application.

We are located in the VFW building at 3037 Goldie Road, Oak Harbor. The phone number is 360-682-2945.

We are also in need of Chapter Service Officers who volunteer their time assisting veterans in filing their service connected disability claims to the VA.

Floyd Hawkins

Commander, DAV Chapter 47

Oak Harbor