The Mesquite Elks Lodge #2811 announces the year-end results of their 2014 Disabled American Veterans medical transportation program.  Under this program, members of the Elks Lodge provide free transportation for veterans in the Virgin Valley to and from the VA Hospital and medical clinics in Las Vegas.  Veterans who are disabled, sick or are unable to drive are eligible for the program.

The Disabled American Veterans Association (DAV), a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting American military veterans, provides the vans.  The Mesquite Elks Lodge maintains the vans, provides free transportation to and from Las Vegas three days a week, and track records of the trips and veterans served.

The following is a summary of the services provided in 2014:

Number of veterans transported:  703

Number of trips made:  301

Number of miles driven:  29,145

Number of hours driven by volunteer Elks:  1,910

Ten members of the Mesquite Elks Lodge volunteer in this special program.  Each trip requires approximately eight hours of their time.  The majority of these drivers have volunteered for many years in this program and all deserve special recognition for their dedication to assisting the veterans of our community.  These volunteer drivers are:  Sam Latendresse, Program Chairman; Harold Straley, Assistant; Roger Gessell; Jim Lunch; James Schearer; Jim Lochner; Amy Peterson; Sam Russo; Dennis Lynch; and Dennis Winter.

Veterans who are interested in receiving this free service can contact the Mesquite Elks Lodge at (702) 345-2811 for more information.