An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Veteran Association Medical Center receives donated vehicles

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brittany Y. Bateman
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 30 donated two new 2010 Ford Explorer XLTs to the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, La., July 26.

The Ford Explorers, which are valued at more than $62,000 were purchased with financial assistance from Barksdale's Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 615 and are to be used for transporting patients to and from the VA Medical Center.

"Disabled veterans, regardless of what branch of service benefit from the donations," said Senior Master Sgt. John Thomas, Air Force Sergeant Association president. "We all actually indirectly benefit from the donation, by providing veterans transportation to get the help they need. We actually participate in a lot of the events at the Veterans Association. It's us giving back."

The two new Ford Explorers replaced two high-mileage vehicles and will ensure the continued safe transportation of our veterans.

The Volunteer Transportation Network at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center currently operates seven vehicles that transport more than 5,000 veterans annually to appointments at the medical center. Veterans who do not have transportation to the medical center can use the VTN which has pick-up points in Longview, Texas, Texarkana, Ark. and Monroe and Zwolle, La.

Dr. Virginia Short, acting Medical Center Director, accepted the keys from DAV and AFSA representatives. "We greatly appreciate this donation," said Dr. Short. "These vehicles will help continue the safe transportation of or veterans.