Rides to VA available for Vets

On Sept. 29, William Bienefeld was the first veteran to ride the Disabled American Veterans' transportation van to the Kansas City Veterans Administration Medical Center for his appointment. This service is available to Nevada and Vernon County veterans needing transportation to appointments in Kansas City. For more information call (816) 806-1695. Left to Right: William Bienefeld, Larry Selby and Laurence Truman.

The Butler chapter of the Disabled American Veterans is offering free transportation to confirmed medical appointments at the Kansas City VA Medical Center for veterans who have no other means of transportation. According to Laurence Truman of the Butler group, his chapter administers the program, but the van is based in Nevada and all veterans are eligible, not just those who are disabled.

There are some stipulations to using the service. The transport van is not equipped with a chair lift, so veterans must be able to get on and off the van by themselves. The service is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for appointments scheduled between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and arrangements must be made for the service at least one business day in advance to assure a reserved seat.

The van schedule is set the day prior to travel and may be changed or altered according to special circumstances. Any change will be considered on a case by case basis. It is recommended that veterans mention using the Nevada DAV van service to their health care providers when setting appointments.

Caregivers can ride with veterans if necessary, but prior permission is required from the veteran's primary care physician. Forms for the physician approval can be obtained on the van, at the Nevada Veterans Clinic or from the Veterans Services Office in the Missouri Career Center at 621 E. Highland Ave., in Nevada.

To arrange for transportation once an appointment has been set, obtain a copy of the van rules or more information contact: Laurence Truman at (816) 806-1695 or Larry Selby at (417) 922-3404 between the hours of 8 a.m and noon on Mondays and Wednesdays.