DAV looks for volunteer drivers

Jan. 26--Jerry Washington knows how important his volunteer work is to others -- he's been in their shoes.

Washington, a volunteer for the Disabled American Veterans, transports veterans in the Muskogee area to and from their medical appointments.

"It's rewarding to me; I enjoy it," he said.

"There's a lot of vets that really do need help."

Washington hasn't always been the one in the driver's seat. In the past, he was transported by volunteer drivers.

"They did such a good job coming to get me and making it to my appointments on time," Washington said.

The volunteers will drive veterans who can't drive themselves or don't have the funds available to get to their appointments.

Misty Summers, Hospital Service coordinator and another driver for Disabled American Veterans, said that the organization in Muskogee is dealing with a shortage of volunteer drivers.

"In Muskogee, we need both local and Oklahoma City drivers. We've only got one guy," Summers said.

Summers said that volunteering is a form of giving back to veterans.

"They have given so much for us, I think it's really important that we give back as much as we can," Summers said.

Summers drives veterans regularly and has formed friendships with the veterans.

"We develop a bond," Summers said. "It's hard not to. We are on a first-name basis."

Danny Oliver, the state adjutant for Disabled American Veterans, said the organization has been providing the service for veterans for years.

"We've been doing this since 1987," Oliver said. "It's a 100 percent volunteer organization. We raise the money, then donate the vehicles to the VA."

Oliver said the rewards for volunteer services are priceless:

"You can't find the money that equates to that thank you."

The volunteer drivers are required to have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance, and they must pass a physical.

The volunteers choose the days and times they will be available.

Volunteers do not have to be veterans.

"We have local runs in greater Muskogee and an Oklahoma city shuttle," Oliver said.

Drivers will be provided with meals on their days of service.

The organization has 24 vans throughout the state that service clinics and hospitals.

Summers said that the job sometimes takes all day.

"It's usually a 10-hour day, starts at 7 a.m. and you're not off until 4:30 or 5," she said.

"It's all worth it. It does your heart so good to give back to the veterans," Summers said.

Reach E.I. Hillin at (918) 684-2926 or ehillin@muskogeephoenix.com.

You can help

If you would like to volunteer call Greg Sorenson, (918) 577-3621 or Dax Allcorn, (918) 577-3358.

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