NORWICH – Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Norwich have come together with the Disabled American Veterans organization (DAV) in an effort to provide Chenango and Madison County veterans transportation to the VA medical center in Syracuse.
With gas prices continually rising and the Nation’s economy continuing to worsen, both organizations decided years ago to help veterans get to regional VA facilities easier.
“We cover about 18 counties,” said Frank Caputo, the DAV hospital coordinator for Syracuse VA medical center operating area said. “This service was originally created for veterans who where severely disabled or homeless. It took off from there, it now serves all vets, no matter their aliment, length of time served or age. We take all of them.”
For approximately the past two years, Caputo explained plans have been in motion to create such a service at no cost for the veterans in Chenango and southern Madison county. “Donations are always welcome to both the VFW and the DAV, but nothing is required,” said Caputo.
The vehicle itself, was purchased through fundraising efforts made by the Norwich VFW and money from the DAV.
“VFW members raised 50 percent and the DAV covered the other 50 percent,” said Caputo, also explaining vehicle manufacturers provided a more affordable price for the vehicle because of the service it would be used for. Once purchased, the vehicle maintenance is paid for by the VA department as well as the cost of fuel.
“We received the transport vehicle (van) in early February and began service on March 15,” he said.
Since that time, Caputo reports 60 people have used the vehicle for their transport needs, roughly 3,500 miles have been driven and up to five volunteer drivers from the VFW have either completed or are in the process of certification to become drivers. “The VA has very strict qualifications for their drivers,” said Caputo.
Volunteer Service Coordinator for the Syracuse VA hospital, Robert Hawes, explained the strong need for volunteers in the area and the rising concern that veterans could not afford to get the care they required. “A lot of surrounding areas were being covered. We needed to get service into this area,” said Hawes.
Mark Caldwell, the DAV coordinator for the Norwich area explained the response from the veterans has been great and everyone is welcoming the service. “They have just wondered where we have been,” said Driver and Quarter Master for the VFW, Ron Palmer.
Veterans and their significant others are welcome to aboard the van, said Caputo, stating that sometimes that is the key to getting the veterans to go to the hospital.
According to the VA statistics for Chenango County and the southern portion of Madison county, there are approximately 5,000 veterans who could take advantage of the service. For more information or to sign up to be transported, call Mark Caldwell at 205-0794.