DAV needs van drivers

Dear editor:

The Hot Springs Disabled American Veterans chapter provides a daily van to take veterans to appointments at the VA hospitals in Little Rock and North Little Rock. The van leaves from the parking lot of the courthouse on Ouachita Avenue at

7:30 a.m. and goes to Little Rock and North Little Rock with occasional stops at Hot Springs Village, Benton and Bryant. After dropping off the riders at the Little Rock and North Little Rock VA hospitals, the driver waits for the riders to finish their appointments for the return trip to Hot Springs. The trip takes most of the day and drivers sign up to drive once a week or at least a few times a month. The drivers are all volunteers.

We are currently in need of additional drivers. The requirements to become a volunteer driver for the VA are:

1. Must have a current Arkansas driver’s license (no special license is required).

2. Must pass an annual physical given at the VA hospitals in either LR or NLR.

3. Must take the COVID-19 vaccine, which will be available at the VA hospitals in either LR or NLR.

4. Must have a background check in order to receive a VA employee ID card.

5. Must complete a driver safety and procedures orientation given at the Volunteer Services Office in NLR.

To become a volunteer driver, please call the Volunteer Services office in NLR at

501-257-3288. They will schedule you for a physical and once that is passed then have you apply for a VA employee ID card which includes a background check. If you wish more information about the service please call the local coordinator, Irving Greenberg, at 501-538-8432.

Mike Sharp Hot Springs