Veterans can get free rides to Kalispell for medical care
Roger Diller, left, and Peter Kitts, right, are among the volunteer drivers for Disabled American Veterans in south Lincoln County. They provide free rides to Spokane, Washington, and Kalispell for vets in need of medical care. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Area veterans now have more choices where they can attend medical appointments.
The local U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs office transports patients to the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane for medical appointments and recently began making trips to Kalispell.
Disabled American Veterans operates a fleet of vehicles that provides free transportation to VA medical facilities for injured and ill vets.
Local volunteer Roger Diller said trips are made from Libby and Troy to Spokane Monday through Thursday and to Kalispell Monday through Friday.
Rides for non-ambulatory folks are not available.
“It’s something we’ve hoped would be available for some time and now that it is, we’re glad to offer the service,” Diller said.
To make arrangements for a ride, call the Volunteer Transportation Network between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 509-434-7019 or send an email to spocdcetransportationrequest@va.gov.
Also, to make arrangements for rides to VA clinics and Fort Harrison, call 406-242-0217.
Seating is limited and is first come, first serve.
Also, veterans looking forward to the annual Libby StandDown can put in on their schedule. It will be held the weekend of Oct. 4-5 at the Memorial Events Center on Lincoln Boulevard.
It will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Haircuts, surplus military clothing, refreshments, lunch and food boxes will be available.
In addition, several resources will be available, including a service officer for the VA Clinic, physical health provider, mental health provider, employment counseling, veterans service organization and referrals to community resources.
For more information, contact Pamela Koller at 756-7304 or 270-5613.