DAV VAN:

The van provides transportation without cost to all able bodied veterans using the VA Medical Center, Sioux Falls.  The VA Medical Center pays for all van expenses.  Veterans riding the van determine the schedule.

VA AND DAV RULES FOR USING THE VAN:

All questions about scheduling the van should be referred to the Dickinson County Veteran's Affair's office at (712)336-0883.   Veterans are encouraged to call as far in advance of their appointment(s) as possible to insure the van can be scheduled when needed.

Pickup points are HyVee, Spirit Lake; Stan's Corner, Lake Park; Hwy 9 and Harris Corner, Harris; Rest Stop on Hwy 9, Ocheyedan; Dyno's, Sibley; Corner of Hwy 9 and 178, Little Rock; Sunshine Foods, Rock Rapids.  Veterans wishing to ride the van will be picked up at one of these seven locations.  The time of pickup will be based upon the earliest appointment the day of the trip.  The van will not be able to wait at pickup points.  If a veteran is not waiting when the van arrives the driver will assume the veteran no longer needs a ride that day.

The veteran must be ambulatory and able to enter and exit the van on his/her own.  The drivers are volunteers and are neither trained nor allowed to assist.  Per direction of DAV, this van was not equipped for handicapped veterans.

Drinking any beverage, use of tobacco products, foul language and eating are not allowed on the van.  Weapons and any illegal product are prohibited.  The driver may refuse transportation to any veteran who appears intoxicated, is abusive or may pose a threat to the driver or any other passenger.

 Passengers must wear seat belts at all time.  Anyone refusing to buckle-up will be denied transportation.

Individuals other than a veteran with an appointment or veteran, may be permitted to ride the van with the veteran only if that individual’s presence is required to assist the veteran.  Dickinson County Veteran's Affiars should be notified in advance. Veterans needing to see urgent care may be transported without appointment.

 Veterans being discharged or granted passes may be transported during the van’s trip back to its home city if space is available.  The veteran must be ready to leave when the van departs the medical center.

Only articles small enough to be held on the veteran’s lap or put under the seat may be transported on the van.  The driver may not assist with loading or unloading.

The driver may refuse to transport any veteran whom he feels is too ill to ride the van, or the driver may request a written statement from a VA physician stating it is permissible for the veteran to travel.

Veterans using the van will not be eligible to receive reimbursement for travel expenses as they rode the van without expense.