Vets Helping Vets: Volunteer Drivers Wanted In NoVA

RESTON, VA — Veterans living in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties who are having a difficulties finding transportation will soon be getting a helping hand from other veterans.

A pilot program launched by the Dulles Area Transportation Association, Veterans Connect has been partnering with NV Rides to provide transportation for elderly veterans and veterans with disabilities. Veterans Connect is interested in recruiting more military veterans as volunteers to help their comrades in arms reach important medical appointments.

“We think this veteran-specific expansion of our NV Rides program will underscore our belief that our network provides ‘More than just a ride,’" NV Rides Manager Jennifer Kanarek said, in a release. “In pre-pandemic 2019, NV Rides volunteer driver programs served almost 1,000 individuals with more than 9,500 rides provided by volunteer drivers, and stories of joyful moments between volunteers and passengers are far more often the rule than the exception.”

The feedback Veterans Connect has received from area veteran service organizations has all been positive, according to Luke Frazza, mobility manager with Veterans Connect.

"Support for the project has transcended those who served however, and garnered praise from across our community," he said.

Although Veterans Connect has prioritized hiring veterans as drivers, anyone who is interested in volunteering is welcome to apply. To volunteer or learn more, go to the Veterans Connect Facebook page or contact Frazza at lfrazza@datatrans.org or 703-819-3459.