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DAV Chapter 24 Updates Donated Shuttle in Style

Commander Howard Bateman from the DAV alongside, Marion VA Health Care System, Executive Director, Zack Sage.
Commander Howard Bateman from the DAV alongside, Marion VA Health Care System, Executive Director, Zack Sage.
By Willy Martinez, Public Affairs Specialist

Our new Veteran-favorite shuttle just got an upgrade from the Veteran organization that made the original van donation – DAV Chapter 24.

“This is a game changer. Our Veterans can now be picked up with comfort and style,” shared VA Red Coat Ambassador, Donnie Houghland.

Thanks to the Forget Me Not Chapter 24 of the Disabled American Veterans, our Veterans will not only be able to keep cooler in this during this heatwave, but they will also get to do it in style. The small passenger van is used for helping Veterans travel from their parking spot in the lot to any of the buildings which they may have an appointment.

This new addition came to our fleet of parking lot shuttles at a crucial time for our Veterans last year during the Winter, as the shuttle also provides heat for our volunteer drivers and Veterans.

This Summer, the Forget Me Not Chapter 24 of the Disabled American Veterans decided to upgrade the all-white shuttle with hand painted, classy pin-stripes wrapping the entire shuttle. The front design is one of pride for DAV Chapter 24 as it displays their logo at the front.

Commander Howard Bateman from the DAV said the DAV is honored to do this for our Veterans because “Veterans not only deserve to ride comfortably, they should also ride in style.”

“The shuttle also has a back up camera as well as all the bells and whistles,” stated VA Volunteer, Donnie Houghland. The vehicle is extremely quiet and modernized, and it can fit up to five Veterans at once. It provides heat during the winter, and a fan for the summer. It’s classified as a golf cart, but still street legal and usable on the main roads, if needed.

The Marion VA Health Care System sends a genuine THANK YOU to the Forget Me Not Chapter 24 of the DAV. They continually support us in helping our Veterans and have done so for decades.

Veterans needing pick up in the parking lot can call the front desk at (618) 997-5311 ext 55732.

The active DAV Chapter 24 has also helped served the Anna State Veterans Home, by providing two of the hand powered bicycles for Veterans with Spinal Cord Injuries, as well as assisting with rehab operations Jefferson Barracks.