Recently, the Disabled American Veterans announced changes in the way it schedules van service to transport veterans to Veterans Administration hospitals in northern Indiana. The van service is a popular transportation option organized not by the VA, but by the hard-working men and women at the DAV.

Specifically, the position of scheduling coordinator has been changed from a paid job to a volunteer job by the state DAV commander. Upon hearing about these changes, I was concerned about the disruptions they would cause for area veterans.

Since that time, my office has been in touch with Mike Whelihan, the state adjutant for the DAV, the veteran service officers in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties, officials in the VA and local veterans who are worried about disruptions to this service.

I was happy to learn two weeks ago that a veteran in St. Joseph County, Doug Davis, has stepped forward to handle the scheduling there.

As of now, Elkhart County is still looking for a volunteer to coordinate the van scheduling, but I know that Mike Whelihan is working hard to find someone and has been in touch with a number of potential candidates. In the meantime, the veterans in Elkhart can contact Rose Wolford with the DAV in Fort Wayne at (800) 360-8387, ext. 71033, to schedule this needed service.

I will continue to work to facilitate a timely resolution to this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any further questions about this matter or wish to step up and help the veterans who have done so much for this country by volunteering.