CAN’T STOP CARING Volunteers continue the mission despite pandemic challenges By Tom Jenkins A St. Cloud VA Medical Center s a second wave of the coronavirus ravaged communities across America, hospitals— including Veterans Affairs medical centers—were hit hard. With active COVID-19 cases among VA patients up 70% in November alone, VA health facilities and services were stretched thin as they headed into the winter months. For DAV volunteers, the dedication to serve veterans remains strong despite the ongoing public health crisis, especially for those who volunteer with DAV’s Transportation Network. Though the process looks and feels a little different now in locations that are allowing the network to operate, volunteers from the Department of Minnesota and many other states have proven it’s possible to carry on through challenging times. “With COVID, our numbers are starting to go up on positive tests,” said Alan Skramstad, veteran and volunteer driver veteran, volunteer Alan Skramstad, who also happens and mayor of Mora, Minn. to be mayor of Mora, Minnesota. With these numbers rising in Skramstad’s community, receiving regular scheduled medical care is a growing necessity for veterans. However, as cases rise, the reality of the pandemic weighs heavily on the Mora community. Nevertheless, Skramstad and his local chapter are committed to helping and honoring their fellow veterans. Mora “We have lost nine members of our community to the pandemic,” said Skramstad. “Three that I know of and have done honors for have been veterans. Our honor guard has said we will do that no matter what; we take every precaution.” Mora is 74 miles from the St. Cloud VA Medical Center, and it can take an entire day just driving one or two veterans to and from a medical appointment. Skramstad and other DAV volunteer drivers make the trek to and from the hospital to ensure the veterans in his community and surrounding area still have access to their care—usually a 270-mile round trip, from pickup to drop-off. Helen Loslebon retired from her 9-to-5 job a few years ago and was looking to give back to her community when she received a postcard 24 DAV MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
Issue Articles
CAN’T STOP CARING
Tom Jenkins
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