AMVETS Express in need of volunteers to drive veterans to Loma Linda

It’s the 15th anniversary of the AMVETS Express, a volunteer-based van service that gives veterans a ride to Loma Linda VA hospital free of charge.

“Without this service I would have been stuck having to bum rides from people…having to take public transportation six hours to get to the hospital or to get the appointments at Loma Linda. It was an invaluable service to me,” said Bert Lowstan, U.S. Army Veteran.

The program was recognized by the Mayor of Cathedral City Monday morning in a ceremony hosted at Nicolino’s Italian Restaurant, where veterans and volunteers shared how the program has changed their lives.

“It’s very important in Coachella Valley and other cities as well to support the vets that gave their lives and service for us here in America,” said Mayor Carnevale.

Volunteers have given more than 14,000 rides to veterans free of charge to get the medical treatment they need.

The service operates five days per week, but organizers say they’re down to only three volunteers.

They say it’s a life-saving service and anyone interested in volunteering, even just one day a month, would greatly help their cause.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Tom Swann Hernandez, AMVETS Post 66 Founder and Commander, at (760) 324-5670.

KESQ