The county's disabled veterans are trying to help some of their own. However, they need the support of the community to accomplish their ultimate goal – getting veterans in need of medical help to their appointments on a reliable vehicle.

Thurston Mosley, past state commander and immediate chapter commander for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), is heading up an effort to raise $7,500 to purchase a new van for use in transporting veterans from throughout the county and Fort Deposit to and from Veterans Hospital.

So far, $ 2,000 has been raised through donations from the county commission, the local DAV chapter, #67 and from the Greenville Lions Club.

&#8220I asked from donations from the mayors of the county, but they explained they could not donate to this ‘if it isn't for everyone.' I made a vow many years ago to never leave behind our dead and wounded, and to this day I've been able to fulfill that vow, so I am not giving up,” Mosley said.

Until the monies are raised to purchase the 15-passenger Ford van, Mosley said he has found a DAV van not currently being used by the VA.

&#8220We have permission to use the van until we can raise the $7,500,” he said.

Anyone desiring to help those who fought for American's freedoms is encouraged to call Thurston Mosley at 382-6862, the Department of Veterans Affairs in Greenville or any members of the DAV in Butler County.

Checks should be made payable to Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 67 (indicate on check this is for &#8220van account”) and mailed to: Thurston Mosley, 4224 Halso Mill Road, Greenville, AL 36037.

&#8220We appreciate anyone who can help us with this project. We also need volunteer van drivers,” Mosley said.

&#8220The drivers must be certified by the Veterans Administration in Montgomery. There is no charge and I will get you to and from Montgomery.”

The following schedules and guidelines apply for those needed van transportation:

*You must have a letter from the Veterans Hospital indicating you have an appointment. No one will be permitted to ride with such a letter due to insurance regulations.

*Appointments must be made no later than 11 a.m. Please notify your color team you are riding the van and they will schedule you during these hours and will also mail you a letter to use to ride the van.

* The van will pick up at the following places and times:

McKenzie – Browders Restaurant Hwy 55 – 5:45 a.m.

Georgiana – BP Station I-65

6 a.m.

Greenville –

Stabler Hospital

6:30 a.m.

Ft. Deposit

Chevron Station

6:45 a.m.