DAV needs volunteer drivers
Published 12:20 am Sunday, September 6, 2015
- Jon Morris, left, and Otto Borden show off the new paint scheme for their transportation vehicle. David Freeze/For the Salisbury Post
The local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans has received a donated vehicle to give veterans rides to the Hefner VA Medical Center. Now it needs drivers.
Otto Borden, DAV Chapter 96 adjutant, is heading up the transportation project for his chapter. He learned recently, however, that he cannot drive the vehicle because he is considered “insulin dependent,” and new rules prohibit people with that condition from driving a government vehicle.
“I am worried I got this thing going and now I can’t drive,” Borden said. “I will still coordinate and train but can’t drive the van.”
For drivers, the organization is looking for retired people with open schedules who can give rides with a week’s notice. To apply to be drivers, people should go to Volunteer Services in Building 6 at the Hefner VA.
They will have to take a TB test and undergo a physical, be fingerprinted and show a picture ID. They will also watch a video.
Lane Construction of Charlotte gave the DAV chapter the vehicle, a 2009 Ford Explorer which is painted white. The chapter is raising funds to outfit the vehicle with a wrap identifying it as a DAV service. The cost is more than $1,200.
To raise funds, Diane Williams and Margaret Keller of the Auxiliary are selling raffle tickets for a 50-inch TV at $10 for a book of 10 tickets. The TV will be given away at the Oct. 25 DAV meeting, and ticket orders can be made any time by calling Williams at 704-202-6650 or Keller at 704-209-6401.
For more information about the DAV transportation service, call Borden at 704-819-1960 or 980-643-4234.
To donate to the vehicle-wrapping project, call Chief Volunteer Officer Les Eason at 704-638-3409.
