Congratulations Marion VA Volunteer For Earning the Illinois DAV Volunteer of the Year 2023!

Congratulations to our very own Steve Ward who was recently presented with the Illinois DAV Volunteer of the Year Award 2023! Steve has served as a VA Volunteer for 13 years with the Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN) through Disabled Veterans of America (DAV Chapter #28 Mount Vernon, IL) where he also serves as the DAV District Chaplain.

He has been a driver and currently serves as a VTN Hospital Services Coordinator (alternate) as well as a VTN Training Assistant. Mr. Ward puts in anywhere from 20+ hours per week as a volunteer! When asked what his “WHY” is for volunteering his time, Steve shared this:

“The freedoms we have in this country are because of the sacrifices of our Veterans. By volunteering my time, I feel I am giving very little back to Veterans compared to what they have given for us all. “

For nearly 14 years, Steve has been a dedicated and crucial part of our VTN Program. He has ensured Veterans arrive to scheduled appointments, even when it has been at his own expense. Several times those who have worked alongside of him, from the Hospital Services Coordinator to his fellow drivers, have noted that he has made personal sacrifices and has changed or cancelled his own medical appointments, plans or schedule to ensure a Veteran was transported to an appointment.

Anytime Steve has been called on for assistance in transporting a patient due to an unexpected driver shortage, even on his days off, he has willingly changed and rearranged his plans to get that Veteran to the VA. If two veterans had to be at two different locations at two different times, Steve would figure out a way to coordinate the transportation so both could make their appointments, again, at times even at his own expense!

THANK YOU, STEVE, for your example and years of service! The Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) is proud and honored to count you as one of our most dedicated VTN volunteer drivers!