(Richmond, Va.) The Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (VVSF) and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services have announced the donation of four specially equipped minivans by the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Department of Virginia – one van for each of the four veterans care centers in Virginia. The vans will transport veterans to and from medical appointments.
DVS operates the Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center in Roanoke, the Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center in Richmond, and the Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center in Virginia Beach. The Puller Veterans Care Center in Fauquier County is under construction.
The wheelchair-accessible vans were presented at a special ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial on July 16.
Attending the ceremony were representatives of DAV, VVSF and DVS, including Commissioner Chuck Zingler and the administrators of the four veterans care centers.
“Each year DAV helps more than a million veterans in life changing ways,” said Richard Lehmann, Commander, DAV Department of Virginia. “This is the first donation of its kind to a state veterans home, and we are proud to support the VVFS, DVS, and our care center residents.”
“We are so thankful for this donation; this gift will positively impact residents at each of Virginia’s veterans care centers and fulfill a crucial need,” stated Kayla Arestivo, Executive Director for the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation. “We wish to thank the DAV Department of Virginia for making this happen.”
The four 2024 model Chrysler Pacifica minivans, each wrapped with a colorful patriotic theme, are valued at more than $72,000 each for a total value of more than $288,000.
“These new minivans will be a big help in transporting our veterans to medical appointments, especially when it’s just one or two veterans at a time,” added Commissioner Chuck Zingler of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. “At present, we use one of our 15 passenger buses for this purpose – the smaller size of the minivans gives us greater operational flexibility.”
For more information about DVS veterans care centers, including eligibility requirements, please visit https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/veterans-care-centers.
