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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend March 13, 2007 Veterans Affairs desperately needs volunteer drivers Job would entail driving disabled veterans to medical appointments in White City, Roseburg or Portland By paul fattig Mail Tribune WHITE CITY — Before Army veteran James "Jamie" Wright died early in 2005, his wife, Sandy, made him a promise. "I told him I would do what I could to keep the program going," she said. "He was a disabled vet. After he got his treatment here, he became a volunteer driver to help other veterans." In fact, he volunteered for more than seven years for the Disabled American Veterans' Transportation Network at the Department of Veterans' Affairs Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinics. For his fellow veterans, he drove some 9,200 hours while covering more than 100,000 miles. The program now desperately needs volunteers to drive veterans who need transportation to appointments at the SORCC, or from it to VA facilities in Roseburg or Portland, said Sandy Wright, now the hospital service coordinator for the DAV program. "If we don't get more volunteer drivers, this program could shut down," she said. "We need more volunteers to help drive veterans." Advertisement The problem, she explained, is that several of the older volunteer drivers have retired and the vacancies haven't been filled. "Right now, we need at least five more drivers," she said. "I've made fliers. We've put ads out. We just aren't getting the volunteers we need for the program." With more than 11,000 outpatients, the volunteer drivers are crucial, said Tom Marshall, SORCC spokesman. "We're hurting bad for drivers," he said. "All volunteers are valuable. But this (shortage) impacts veterans who don't have the transportation to get around." In the program, the DAV obtains donated vans which then become the property of the department, he said. "We have the van but we don't have the drivers we need," he said. "We're spread pretty thin right now." The volunteers need a valid driver's license and a good driving record. They are also given a physical. In addition to vans, fuel will be provided along with a meal ticket for those taking long trips. The hours are varied and flexible. Like her husband, many of the volunteer drivers are veterans, Sandy Wright said. "God bless the volunteers we have," she said. "They are doing a great job. But we need a few more drivers to give them a break. Sometimes they get sick or need to take time off for their families. We need more volunteers to cover for them. "Our goal is to help our veterans, to make sure they are getting taken care of," she added. To volunteer as a driver, call Wright at 826-2111, ext. 3619, Jim Cunningham at 826-2111, ext. 3796, or Tom Marshall at 826-2111, ext. 3585. Reach reporter Paul Fattig at 776-4496 or e-mail him at [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary