Since 1987, DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Transportation Network volunteer drivers have logged 734.6 million miles, providing nearly 19 million no-cost rides for Veterans to and from VA health care appointments. This program makes an incredible impact on Veterans like 94-year-old Vincent Rolves, a former POW who served in WWII.
“I think they’re just wonderful,” said Rolves of DAV volunteer drivers. “Not everybody is so thoughtful of Veterans, but the ones that are, I just really appreciate.”
DAV needs more volunteer drivers nationwide to meet the growing transportation need of Veterans.
Without this program, many Veterans would not have access to the VA health care they’ve earned. DAV has donated a total of 3,517 vehicles to VA medical centers, and the VA has valued DAV hours of volunteer service at nearly $34.7 million annually—making it an indispensable resource for Veterans and a cost-effective solution for the VA.
“I’m honored to be doing this for [Rolves],” said DAV Transportation Network volunteer and Veteran James Sabelca. “Maybe some day, someone will be doing this for me.”
How you can help
How you can helpIf you want to give back to your community and to Veterans that served our country, and their families, and help them attend their health care appointments, volunteer to be a driver for DAV.
Interested applications can call their local VA Health Care System’s Voluntary Service Department or send a message or request through https://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow. Applicants can also request the route area they prefer.
Requirements
- Pass a physical given by a VA Occupational Health provider.
- Have good judgement and ability to solve problems.
- Ability to remain calm under stressful conditions.
- Willing to do minor vehicle inspections for safety.
- Complete an annual VA-sponsored defensive driving class.
- Possess a valid state driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Possess personal auto liability insurance.
- Keep DAV van clean inside and out for comfort.
Duties
Volunteer drivers:
- Report to the Voluntary Service Department and DAV personnel.
- Drive Veterans to their health care appointments to VA health care systems
- Coordinate with Veteran passengers on where to meet and the time of their departure to their health care appointment.
- Return Veterans to their original pick up location after their health care appointment.
If you or anyone you may know would like to get involved and drive a DAV van to assist Veterans in getting to and from their health care appointment, please visit http://dav.org/help-dav/volunteer/ to learn more.
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I would probably enjoy transporting disabled vets in my spare time….
Been driving a DAV van to the VA in Durham, NC for several months now, very rewarding. As a USMC vet and a UPS retiree, I have the time and motivation to do it. The vets I drive are always very appreciative and we all speak the same language. Semper Fi.
As a Disabled Veteran I have been very grateful for the rides provided by the Centre County DAV in PA during the past two years without my own vehicle. However I do find it difficult to accept that they will “kick” you off the ride program for 3 strikes. Even if those “strikes” are medical issues that prevent you from riding 40 miles to your appointment and you call 3 or more hours in advance giving notice of your inability to travel. Therefore leaving an already sick and disabled Veteran without any transportation to VA Medical Appointments for 6 entire months! Totally unnecessary!
Autonomous Vans solar and electric
I think this is a great idea a fabulous idea would be to get Autonomous Vans yes self driving electric and solar also to help with pollution also in order to make way for a more connected Innovative sustainable world and to help save lives Thankyou for your time and consideration in this matter sincerely Heather Dean Church
Interested in driving vets to and from appts. Clean driving record and no criminal background. I am 68 yrs of age and have a little Hitch in my gitalong, by this I mean can walk short distances but still get around. It doesn’t effect my driving though. I am retired Air Force. Have a great deal of concern for my fellow vets. Anything I can do to help I want to be there for them.
I live in Columbus Georgia, I am single and no longer work, Volunteer work could help fill a void in my life but being a Retired (USMC) Viet Nam Vet I can understand how important and how necessary this type of program is to Vets who are unable to make it to scheduled appointments. I have a totally clean driving and criminal record. I can be contacted at the given phone/e-mail I am never far from home.
The DAV in Beaufort County South Carolina are full of crap. They never return phone calls when you need a ride. They hold their meetings in a Hardee’s fast food restaurant. And they are very unprofessional. As a life time member I demand more for the money I donate. You would do better to keep your money and deal with the VA yourself.
Well thanks for the heads up notification. I live in the Yemassee area literally left a job cause I was told I would be written up for taking time off for VA appointments within my 90 days. Truly looking for assistance with my claim. I just need help. I lost my DOD job due to my disability.
I am only 75 and want to help DAV . The DAV was able to help me in my time of need. I would like to return the favor and help where I can. I live in Satsuma Fl. and I am in the middle between Gainesville Fl. V A. and St Aug. VA.. I am 15 miles from Palatka VA.
I will be happy to help Disabled vets, I have a hearing disability, Service connected, and I’m blessed to have served
This Country.
I can drive and probably have a few million miles driven throughout all 50 states, Japan and Spain. I’m 69 and have arthritis in multiple joints which hasn’t kept me from driving to Texas and back in June or Florida last Summer. One question is how physical does this get, I’m strong but bending down is difficult do to 4 bulging disks in the lower spine. I’m familiar with the VA hospital in Nashville and the Murfreesboro campus. I could also use my own truck which has a handicapped scooter and lift available when/if needed. Feel free to call me (redacted)with any questions I’m usually home so call any time.
Let me know if any drivers are needed in The Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville, Necada area
DAV has been good deal for me. Thank you very much.
I’m interested in helping to drive Vets to appointments.
I also have a skill set helping vets by reviewing resumes and helping prepare persons for their initial and follow up interviews.
Don’t be begging for DAV van drivers when your VAPD are painfully slow in getting those volunteers through the VA administrative process. I coordinate DAV van rides in southeast SD, and it should not take over three months to get an applicant through the administrative process. VAPD background checks should have a higher priority if the VA wants volunteer help — remember, these folks are not being paid — they are performing their task because they want to do something for veterans, not wait in the wings because of the indifference of some federal employee. I have been more than patient with the VA –I’m a Navy Vietnam-era vet and I serve as a CVSO in Yankton County in South Dakota — need I say more — but the VA needs to re-examine its commitment to the DAV van transportation network. As far as I am concerned, after losing two volunteer applicants due to lengthy initiation process — and at risk of losing two more — you folks are not cutting the mustard. Respectfully,
I am willing and able to serve as a volunteer driver for my brothers and sisters in arm. I live in Little Rock and Russellville, Arkansas. I am a retired high school teacher and retired Events Coordinator for Bass Pro Shops. I have an impeccable driving record and am drug free. Please call me 501-658-1896. i am receiving mediacal care at the VA in Little Rock and have no restrictions to keep me from this opportunity..