“A
ll you have to do is call and say, ’Hey, I’m a veteran and I need a ride!’” Volunteer driver Marine Vet John Ross said with a grin.
We’re standing by Greene County’s new transport system van with the national DAV logo on the door: “Keeping our promise to America’s Veterans.” Behind us is Waynesburg VFW Post 4793, where this newest free transport to doctor and hospital appointments parks when not on the road.
Ross and Army Vet Beranger “Bryan” Nemal are the drivers that this Disabled American Veterans program depends on for travels to the Veterans Clinic in Washington County, University Drive Hospital in Pittsburgh and H. J. Heinz Hospital in Aspinwall.
“We just got this van a few weeks ago from the District DAV and are getting the word out to all our local veterans that the ride service is back.”
DAV’s original transportation van sat unused during the pandemic when doctor appointments switched to zoom, and hospital visits were limited to emergencies, Ross explained. After the pandemic, the old van was officially retired, and the search was on for grant money to replace it.
Now it’s a matter of getting veterans back on board, letting them and their families know that these free transports are tailored to accommodate their busy lives. No more waiting all day for the last afternoon appointment to be finished before heading home.
“Our schedule is Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for morning appointments and Thursday is for afternoons. You can catch the van here, at the Waynesburg Burger King, or we’ll make arrangements with county transportation to have you picked up if that’s what you need.”
Veterans can bring family members, friends, or aides with them for the free ride to appointments because, “We drop them off at the door but don’t go in with them,” Ross said. The new 12 passenger Ford Transit Van is “much more safe, comfortable and accommodating. We’re here for those who don’t want to drive. We’re here for those who need us.”
What the DAV transportation service itself needs is more drivers, Ross noted. “You don’t have to be a vet to drive. Anyone with a valid license and insurance can apply. If you don’t mind driving to Pittsburgh a few times a week and can pass the physical and the background check, call the Veterans Affairs office.”
“I decided to be a driver when I stopped by the Waynesburg office [in the basement of the County Office building] to pick up a medallion and flag for my dad’s grave, and they asked me,” Nemal said. “But we really need three drivers, maybe more, because I’m retired and travel in the winter months. If you’re able and want to help veterans, I hope you give us a call. ”
The public will get to see the DAV van in action when it joins the Veterans Day Parade on November 9 in Waynesburg. For more information about using the DAV Transport Van or to become a driver call 724-852-5275.
Meet the Newest Veterans Office Staff Member ready to assist you!
Other improvements have been added to the Veterans Office in Greene to make it easier for veterans to receive the information and care they need. “The VA Office is very excited to have our new clerical staff member Patience Eddy to greet our veterans and help them with the applications for the benefits they are entitled to,” Director Kathy Cipcic said. “Her dad is a vet, and she’s already learned about some of the benefits that her own family didn’t know about until she told them. What she is learning is so important to be shared in the community. If you’ve come to volunteer as a driver, Patience will be able to give you the information you need.”
“We want to thank the commissioners for helping us increase our staff with Patience. It really helps with the workload that my county veterans service officer Renee’ Imhoff and myself are busy doing every day. We’re here to help you Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call for an appointment if you’re able.”