Veterans who need help getting to medical appointments are going to get double the help soon thanks to the donation of a van by the Disabled American Veterans Louis Paul Proy Chapter 20 in Lorain.

The chapter sold its headquarters at 2500 E. 25th St. in Lorain and used some of the proceeds to buy a new 15-passenger Econoline van, according to chapter spokesman Raymond Kershaw.

Having a location for meetings and other chapter events was less important than assisting veterans who increasingly need help in this economy, according to Kershaw, adjunct for the chapter and 5th District commander for Disabled American Veterans of Ohio.

Donald J. Bates, director of the Lorain County Veterans Service Office, said he was excited about the new van, which was presented at a ceremony on Tuesday. The Department of Veterans Affairs has agreed to pick up operating costs including gasoline and maintenance, Bates said.

With the addition of the van, he said the office will have two vans to transport veterans to medical appointments.

Through the Lorain County Transportation Network, Lorain County Veterans Service Commission, the office now provides free transportation to and from the Veterans Affairs medical centers in Wade Park and Brecksville.

The van runs Monday through Friday except federal holidays, with current pickup locations at the Lorain County Administration Building at Third Street and Middle Avenue in Elyria and the VA clinic at St. Joseph Community Center in Lorain.

To schedule transportation, the veteran must contact the Lorain County Veterans Service Office at (440) 284-4625 to have his or her name placed on the transportation list.

Beginning in January, the new van will be used to provide transportation to the Lorain County Outpatient Clinic, now located in the former St. Joseph Hospital in Lorain but expected to move soon to a new facility.

Bates said the office has taken about 80 applications for two new positions related to the transportation network — a van driver who will earn $11.50 to $15.50 an hour and an administrative assistant/transportation coordinator who will earn $33,500 to $51,753 a year.

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to the surviving spouse or children of veterans, Bates said. Those enquiring about the jobs can call the office at (440) 284-4625.

Contact Cindy Leise at 329-7245 or cleise@chroniclet.com.

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