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CCVSO raising money for van
The Clay County Veterans Service Office is raising funds to replace the current transport van.
Veterans Service Officer Randy Kaelber said earlier this year the Veterans Administration helps purchase the van used to transport local veterans to the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center located in Indianapolis or to one of the Community Based Outpatient Clinics.
They also determine when a new one needs to be purchased, and the current van only has a few thousand miles left before it reaches that point.
Being proactive, Kaelber has begun fundraising to cover the portion the county will be responsible for when the time comes to buy a new vehicle. It’s estimated a new van will be needed in the first few weeks of 2022.
The goal is to raise $22.000, with $6,000 already donated.
Approximately 70 letters are already in the mail to local businesses and other organizations, alerting them of the need for donations.
Kaelber said, “It doesn’t take long to develop 30,000 miles with a transport van.”
About 50 veterans locally use the van transport service.
Anyone wanting to support the purchase of a new transport van for the Veterans Service Office can stop by First Financial Bank. Tell a bank teller you wish to donate to the Clay County Veterans Van Replacement Fund.
“They can also come up here to the office,” said Kaelber about his office on the west side of the Clay County Courthouse’s first floor. “I am here (in the Veterans Service Office, #104) five days a week, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.”
Kaelber is available to provide services for veterans and their families. He urges people to call 812-448-9015 for information or questions, “That’s what this office is here for.”
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED
Are you looking for a way to help your community and are interested in volunteering some time for a worthy cause?
Clay County Veterans Service Officer Randy Kaelber is “the guy” you want to call.
“There are a lot of veterans locally who are unable to get to medical appointments because they don’t have transportation,” said Kaelber. “We are down to two right now, but we need more.”
Applicants must be 18, pass a physical, a background check, and have a valid driver’s license. Those interested can stop by or call 812-448-9015 for more details.
“It’s a great way to serve your community by volunteering to help veterans in their time of need,” Kaelber said, adding that spending time with the veterans is also very interesting, “They have great stories to share.”