the Boise Veterans Affairs Medical center is actively seeking volunteer drivers to assist veterans in accessing essential medical care. Many veterans in Idaho and Oregon face transportation challenges that prevent them from attending appointments at the Boise VA.

Retired Navy veteran Darrell kucera relies on the disabled veteran free ride service. “We were looking for rides,” said Kucera, who discovered the program while at the Boise VA with his wife. He has been using the service for almost two years.

“We live in nampa, which is a 52-mile round trip,” Kucera said. “Now that my wife has got cancer,this is the biggest lifesaver we can have.”

Currently, over 600 veterans in Idaho and Oregon require transportation assistance. The Magic Valley previously offered a five-day service, but now relies on only two volunteer drivers in Twin Falls.

VA Volunteer Program Manager tammy Lanning emphasized the urgent need for additional volunteers. “That van also transports veterans from the Mountain Home area, and other rural areas around Twin Falls and Mountain home,” said Lanning. “Right now, we’d be looking for at least another five to seven drivers. We’ll have a few fill-in drivers as we’ll to try to get back up to that Monday through friday service, which is needed.”

Lanning also noted that many veterans in the Magic Valley lack the ability to drive or the financial resources for transportation, hindering their access to medical services.

How to Volunteer

To become a volunteer driver,applicants must be Twin Falls residents,at least 18 years old,physically capable,and possess a clean driving record. Volunteers are needed for one to two days per week.

“we need the help. we also push the patients inside the hospital, and when they needed this we volunteered,”

Annette and Peter Tetreault have volunteered as drivers in the Treasure Valley for over a year. They find the experience rewarding, stating that it’s about “giving back to our military and building relationships.”

“We get to meet new people; we get to listen to all the stories that they have,” said Peter Tetreault.

Interested individuals can call 208-422-1177 or visit the Volunteer Services office at the main entrance of the VA Boise Health Care | Veterans Affairs.