LVMAC Tidbits — DAV Van Driver Wanted
Wilkes-Barre VA Volunteer Transportation System Seeks Bangor Clinic Driver
The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council needs the help of the community in finding volunteer drivers for the Northampton County (Bangor) Department of Veterans (VA) Affairs Outpatient Clinic. The use of this free transportation service, manned by volunteers, for medical appointments at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center is important to the care of veterans in the upper Northampton County area.
Leonard Croop, the Hospital Service Coordinator for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, is seeking at least one driver to continue the van service begun in 2007. Otherwise, the service must cease.
Drivers must be available for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday runs from 0800 (depart) to 1300 (return). Contrary to popular opinion, the driver need not be a veteran, but must be a committed and dependable individual. The person is expected to be capable of driving a donated, seven or ten passenger van with an automatic transmission. Drivers are provided $5.50 Veterans Canteen Service cafeteria vouchers for a midday meal.
The Department of Veterans Affairs — which is actually responsible for the Volunteer Transportation Network the DAV manages it for them — has levied additional requirements for the reasons of liability and patient safety. The driver must:
- Possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license (commercial license not required)
- Pass a PennDot driving record check
- Provide proof of auto insurance (the VA insures drivers on scheduled routes)
- Pass a law enforcement background check
- Pass a very thorough VA vehicle operator medical exam (with a tuberculosis screening)
- Undergo volunteer orientation and skill training
For those who have considered helping veterans in a constructive manner, this is a worthwhile way.
Contact Mr. Croop by phone at 570-824-3521/1-877-928-2621, both Ext. 7925, by cell phone at 570-313-3881, by Fax at 570-819-5163, or drop by Rm C-622 at the hospital.
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As of 30 March 2012