Replacement van will make VA trips easier for local veterans

Area veterans needing a lift to the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Cheyenne now get to travel in a brand new vehicle.

A 2014 Ford Explorer has replaced the old 2003 Ford Econoline van which had racked up more than 300,000 miles since it was first acquired in June 2004.

According to Cheyenne County Veterans Service Officer Ron Gusman, half of the funds for the $28,400 vehicle were provided through the Columbia Trust, a program within the Disabled American Veterans that helps allocate funds for veterans' needs. The other half was raised through contributions and donations by local organizations and individuals.

"We were lucky, because the Columbia (Trust) awarded us the grant to purchase half of that," Gusman said. "Otherwise, we would have had to come up with (the full amount)."

The local donors included the Lodgepole American Legion Post 286, the Potter American Legion Post 291, the Potter Sons of American Legion Post 291, the VFW Post 610, the Sidney American Legion Post 17, the DAV Chapter 40, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Gene White Memorial, Roy Call Memorial, John Clarkson Memorial, William Jallen Memorial, the C.A. Story Foundation and the Cheyenne County Ladies Chamber.

The previous van, which was well-maintained and is still in good working order, will be sold locally. The proceeds will be placed back into the chapter's van fund for future vehicle purchases.

This transportation service is important to area veterans who may not be able to make the 200-mile round-trip drive themselves and who require specialized medical care that the V.A. outpatient clinic in Sidney can't provide.

"On average, over the years, we have transported close to 300 vets a year," Gusman said. He estimates that about 3,000 riders from the southern Panhandle of Nebraska and northern Colorado have used the service since it began 10 years ago.

Without the help of volunteer drivers, this service wouldn't be available. Gusman praised the dedication of the volunteers and their willingness to give their time.

"We call them up, and they go," he said. "It's rewarding for them."

Wilmer Brauer, one of the seven drivers currently volunteering, has been helping since the start of the program 10 years ago. He has transported 308 veterans and driven 36,060 miles so far.

"I'm a vet myself," he said. "It gives me something to do. I meet a lot of very good people and I enjoy doing it."

Other drivers include: Ron Holly, who has driven 32,940 miles for the program; Larry Nelson, 7,280 miles; Loretta Sweet, 24,124 miles; Fritz Geunther, 8,840 miles; Harold Powers, 25,940 miles; Carl Farmer, 30,580 miles; and Bruce Wright, who has driven 76,440 miles and transported 617 veterans.

Gusman said that there used to be as many as 12 drivers and more are needed. He encourages people with a good driving record and a desire to help veterans to apply at the Cheyenne County Veterans Service office.

"We are always looking for new drivers," he said. "And you don't have to be a vet to drive."

Transportation service is available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to any area veterans needing a lift to their appointments. Gusman asks that they call a couple days prior in order to be put on the schedule.

Veterans are also asked to make their doctor's appointments in the morning, so they can leave Cheyenne by 1 p.m. before ice forms.

Anyone interested in donating to the D.A.V. van fund for future vehicle needs may mail checks to Commander John Shaffner of the D.A.V. at 2016 Dodge St. in Sidney. For more information, contact the Cheyenne County Veterans Service office at 308-254-3300.