Drivers wanted

From left, J.C. Turner, commander; John Smith, van coordinator; Shirley Lomelino, food coordinator and Dale Lomelino, chapter member, stand next to the new DAV 2005 Ford van. News Herald photo by LESTER MURRAY The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 21 of Kilgore announced this week that community's efforts have paid off: they now have their new 2005 Ford van.

J.C. Turner, chapter commander, said through the efforts of fundraisers and individual donations as well as the support of the Dallas Veterans Hospital and Kilgore Ford, more than $16,000 was raised to purchase the van that will provide veterans free transport for veterans to the Dallas Hospital.

John Smith, van coordinator, said the van will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week and veterans in need of transportation to Dallas should call at least 48 hours in advance of their appointment.

"It's a long drive to Dallas and we have five pickup points," said Smith. "Those are the MacDonald's in Kilgore, UT Tyler, Hwy 69 and I 20, Van and the Canton MacDonald's."

Smith said to make a reservation for transportation call (903) 984-9670 Monday through Friday after 2 p.m.

Turner said the van usually leaves about 7 a.m. and doesn't return until around 5 p.m. "We use all volunteers to drive the van and they have to qualify with their driving record, a medical exam and then receive a U.S. Government drivers license since the van is registered as a government vehicle," said Turner.

Smith said the service has been in effect since 2001 and the chapter usually transports three to five veterans on each trip.

"We only go to the Dallas hospital," said Smith. "There are other services for veterans going to Shreveport."

Turner said there are about 230 members in Chapter 21. "Right now we are having problems getting drivers for the van," said Turner. "We used to run five days a week but without drivers we had to cut back."

Turner said anyone can volunteer to drive as long as they meet all the requirements... just be prepared to spend the day in Dallas.

Turn said the old van was getting bad gas mileage, burning little oil and a fifteen passenger van was just not needed. "The new van meets all the requirements we need and it gets good mileage," said Turner.

Turner said "it has been a blessing the way the community came together to help raise the money for the van and the chapter is very grateful."