Local veterans now have a secure ride to the VA Hospital in Birmingham thanks to the fundraising efforts of members of the Frank L. Bradford Chapter 18, Disabled American Veterans.

The group has been going door-to-door since July and raised nearly $32,000 to help purchase an almost new, 12-passenger, 2011 Ford Van.

“This van allows veterans who aren’t able to secure their own transportation to the VA Hospital because of the expense or physical handicaps, to have a dependable means of transportation," said Chapter Commander Bill Brennan.

Brennan and other members of the DAV received the keys to the van on Thursday morning at the VA’s Community Based Out-Patient Clinic in Guntersville.

The free shuttle is available to any veteran who has an appointment at the VA Hospital in Birmingham.

Although the van has been paid for, the expense of insurance, gas, and upkeep will be ongoing. Anyone who wants to make a donation to the cause can send a check to: DAV Chapter 18, 55 Mountain Laurel Lane, Guntersville, Ala. 35976.

For more information, call: Bill Brennan at 582-5750.

Brennan said his group appreciates all the support they received from the community.

Need a ride to the VA?

The DAV's new van will make a daily shuttle between the Community-Based Out Patient Clinic in Guntersville and the VA Hospital in Birmingham. Rides are free for any veteran with an appointment at the VA in Birmingham.

The van will leave at 6 a.m. from the clinic and return after all of the veterans have been to their appointments.

To reserve a seat, one needs to call: Pam Prestridge, CBOC clinic in Guntersville, 256-582-4033 or 205-933-8101 ext 7343.

Commander Brennan, left, accepts van keys from Floyd Wagner of Gilbert and Baker Ford as Sr. Vice Commander Ron Wilkerson of Morgan City and member Henry Kelly of Arab, right rear, look on