As you may know, my office coordinates the Oneida County DAV van, which takes veterans to and from the VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Mich., free of charge.

The van runs the northern route (via Lake Tomahawk, Woodruff, Eagle River, etc.) on Monday and Tuesday and runs the eastern route (via Monico, Crandon, Laona, etc.) on Wednesday and Thursday.

You do not have to be an Oneida County resident to use this service.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, the reservation process will change. If you need to ride the van, you must make your reservation no later than 4 p.m. the Thursday before the week you want to ride. After 4 p.m. on Thursday, no more reservations will be made for the following week.

It is strongly encouraged, however, that you make it as soon as you know you have an appointment.

Seating is limited and reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis so do not delay. Reservations can be made by calling 715-369-6227.

We are always looking for volunteers to drive the van. If you are interested in being a volunteer driver, please contact the Oneida County Veterans Service Office at the number below.

You must go through a physical, be fingerprinted and have a background investigation done prior to being approved to drive. This is all done at the VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain at no cost to you. We will even provide the transportation. A normal volunteer day is 6 to 9 hours and a driver will drive approximately one day per month.

Lastly, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all my fellow veterans for their service to this great country. I know the sacrifices you made during your military service and I never take that, or my freedom, for granted. I also thank the families who support veterans. Veterans are only as strong as the families who support them. It is a privilege to serve you and I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. On this Veterans Day, and every day, I honor you.

Tammy Walters is available at 715-369-6127, or twalters@co.oneida.wi.us.