DOBSON — One Mount Airy veterans group is looking for a little help to continue its service to local veterans.
In the open forum portion of a meeting Monday evening, members of the local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter came before the Surry County Board of Commissioners.
Commander Michael Chilton told commissioners the DAV operates two transport vans. Volunteer drivers are tasked with taking veterans to medical appointments at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in Kernersville and Salisbury and other necessary appointments.
“Both of our vans have very high mileage — about 190,000 miles on each,” noted Chilton, adding the chapter travels about 24,000 miles a year to get veterans to and from appointments.
Chilton said the DAV has ordered a seven-passenger 2016 Ford Flex. It costed $28,400, and the national DAV organization footed half of the bill. The local post has already paid its $14,200-portion of the van, but they are hoping to recoup some of the funds.
“We don’t want to deplete all our funds,” said Chilton. “We are looking for a little help.”
The DAV is comprised of disabled veterans, according to Chilton. Some rely heavily on the DAV’s van service to make it to appointments which are integral to their health.
Another DAV official said the organization does much for area veterans.
“This organization has done a lot in service to our veterans — not just talked about it,” said vice commander Richard Bradwell.
At the direction of the board, Chilton handed off the expense information for the new van to County Manager Chris Knopf for consideration in the county manager’s recommended budget.
Commissioner Larry Johnson urged Knopf to ensure the figure was included in the budget at the board’s next budget work session, which is scheduled for June 16 at 6 p.m. at the government center.