Rodney Wells, of Wadena, is doing his part by driving veterans to medical appointments whenever he is available.
"I don't mind," he said. "I just want to help out my fellow veterans."
Wells served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-56. At 80 years old, he is still in good health so he helps out those who can't drive to appointments.
He takes people to wherever they need to go whether it's a Veterans Administration Hospital in Fargo, St. Cloud, Minneapolis, Brainerd, Alexandria or Fergus Falls.
"It can be kind of tiring sometimes waiting for appointments," Wells said. "I just read books or magazines in the waiting area."
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He notices that many of the veterans receiving care at the hospitals are younger.
"I see a lot of veterans at the hospitals that are a lot younger than me and are in pretty bad shape," Wells said. "They need our help and it's the least I can do to drive."
David Anderson, Wadena County Veteran Service Officer, has been looking for additional volunteers. He has a handful of volunteer drivers but he could use more.
"I'm getting to the point where I can't drive as much as I used to," Wells said. "I'll be 81 in September and it would be a good idea to have some more volunteers."
Wells has been driving for 10 to 12 years, he estimates.
Anderson has a list of volunteer drivers he calls when he has a veteran who needs a ride to a hospital. A county vehicle is used sometimes but volunteers also use their own vehicles.
Contact Anderson at (218) 631-7617 or david.anderson@co.wadena.mn.us for more information about becoming a volunteer driver. Volunteers won't be expected to drive every day of the week - just when he or she is available.
