Give a vet a lift

Unless you're a veterans service officer with one of the veterans groups, you probably can't help a fellow veteran push through the paperwork required to file a claim.

But there's more than just that one step to seeking medical care: Sometimes what stands between a veteran and his medical treatment is a ride to the medical center.

Many veterans, especially those in ill health or who are elderly, just don't drive anymore and don't have access to transportation, often due to low income.

That's where you can help. Volunteer once or more a week to drive a veteran to medical appointments. On the way back, ask if you should make a pit stop at the grocery store or anywhere else, if your rider feels well enough. Think about it: If you don't have a car, even just bringing home groceries can be a chore. Or maybe a fast-food burger would be welcomed by a veteran who's basically been homebound due to lack of transportation. Call the Voluntary Services office at the closest Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center to offer your help.

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) also has a nationwide transportation network that takes sick and disabled veterans to all of the medical facilities in the country.

If you're a veteran who needs transportation to a medical facility, the DAV has a directory that can connect you with a ride. Go to www.dav.org, click on Veterans, and scroll down the drop-down list to “Need a Ride?” Click the link to the DAV Hospital Service Coordinator Directory and look for the coordinator nearest you.

Want to offer rides or volunteer locally? Go to www.dav.org and click on Help DAV to learn more about ways you can give back to veterans.