By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
After a pandemic supply chain delay, a new 2022 van is now available to transport area veterans at no cost to Veterans Administration appointments.
"The van belongs to the VA and is delegated to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Fort Hays Chapter 18," said Taft Yates, senior vice commander of DAV Chapter 18.
A $10,000 grant was made in 2018 by the Hays-based Schmidt Foundation. The remaining funds were raised by the chapter to purchase the new van as a replacement of an older vehicle.
"It's veterans helping veterans to maintain and sustain themselves," Yates said. He is a retired U.S. Army Airborne Ranger combat veteran and officer. The former Ellis police chief also serves as quartermaster of the Ellis VFW Post 9139 and is a member of TREA, The Retired Enlisted Association in Salina.
The previous van transported veterans from Hays to medical appointments in Wichita only.
The new van, operated by volunteer drivers, has picked up passengers in Hoxie, Grinnell, Plainville and other area towns and transported them to medical providers in Wichita, Salina, Great Bend, Hays and other locales providing specialty health care. The Ford vehicle is based in Hays at the VA clinic on East 7th Street.
The free program is not DAV-centric — any military veteran can call for a ride to a VA appointment, although the van is not handicapped accessible. Caregivers may ride along, with room for up to five passengers.
"We need a 72-hour notice for an appointment," Yates noted.
Fuel and maintenance costs for the van are paid by the Veterans Administration. It is licensed, insured and maintained by the Robert J. Dole Veterans Hospital in Wichita.
There are currently two drivers of the van, Mary Lou Mastin of Hays, who's volunteered for nearly 11 years, and Russell resident Rich Demont has been helping out for three years.
"More drivers are needed," according to Mike Dreiling, van coordinator and DAV chapter adjutant.
Dreiling, who lives in Russell, is also working to spread awareness of the free service, including to families and friends of veterans.
To reserve a ride to a VA medical appointment, veterans can call Dreiling at 785-735-7117. Any one wanting to be a volunteer driver should also call Dreiling at the same number.