After a recruitment effort earlier this year, the Flathead Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans has signed up more than 30 new drivers to help transport veterans to Veterans Affairs appointments in Kalispell, Missoula and Fort Harrison in Helena.

A number of trips were canceled in January and February due to a lack of drivers. Veterans rely on the transportation to see specialists for medical care.

Rides are provided at no cost to any veteran with a scheduled appointment. The organization now is operating five vehicles with Stan Rube, local area coordinator for DAV, at the helm; he can be reached at 212-9162.

In 2013, Flathead Valley drivers logged 3,355 volunteer hours, hauling 1,294 veterans more than 52,928 miles.

The Flathead DAV also assists in starting and updating VA compensation claims.

On May 31, Disabled American Veterans Flathead chapter members, in conjunction with other service organizations and Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry, will hold an annual Stand Down at the Evergreen Fire Department to provide clothing, toiletries and meals to Flathead Valley veterans.

The Flathead chapter recently elected new officers. The new Flathead commander is Don Richard “Doc” Clark of Bigfork, who also is a member of the Veterans Service Providers group in the Flathead Valley.

Larry Smith of Kalispell was elected senior vice commander. He has led an effort to raised money for new vans and is just $1,500 short of paying for a third new vehicle in two years. Smith raised nearly $40,000 last year.

Last year the Flathead chapter purchased two new vehicles with financial assistance from Plum Creek Timber Co., the Kalispell and Whitefish VFW organizations, and one of the driver’s families. Matching money came from the Columbia Trust of the National Disabled American Veterans in Cold Springs, Ken.

Terry Brosten of Kalispell remains the adjutant/treasurer and Patricia Kinnamon of Kalispell and Colleen Ross of Columbia Falls serve veterans as chapter service officers helping with VA benefits and other needs.

Those interested in donating to the Disabled American Veterans vehicle fund may contact Rube at 212-9162 or send contributions to Flathead Chapter No. 4 Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 10606, Kalispell, MT 59901.

DAV meetings are held every third Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the conference room of the VFW hall at the corner of First Avenue West and Sixth Street in Kalispell.