Shelton Veterans Honored On Assistance Vans

CONTRIBUTEDShelton wounded warriors Burke Ross (wounded in World War II) and Lauren Cust (wounded in Iraq) were honored for their dedication in assisting veterans by being selected to have their service picture displayed on the new Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Local Veterans Assistance Program (LVAP) van.

Lauren’s service dog Dorothy is also displayed on the van. Both wounded warriors have been leaders in veterans advocacy for many years. They were selected from the list of hundreds of dedicated Connecticut veterans who were being considered for the honor.

The DAV and the AMVETS (American Veterans) have become partners in the effort to purchase vans for the DAV-created LVAP program, which provides day trips to veterans in homeless shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, and veterans who are shut-ins.”

CONTRIBUTEDThe LVAP vans have also been used for Operation Gift Cards, which has presented over $707,000 in post exchange (military department store) gift cards and other donated items to wounded troops at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland during its 98 visits during the last eight years. Sixty-seven groups have co-sponsored the program.

CT Heroes on Wheels in another major program which benefits by the use of the LVAP vans. CT Heroes on Wheels provides free electric wheelchairs, electric scooters and other medical equipment to needy veterans and their families.

The DAV and AMVETS are collecting donations for the purchase of at least one additional LVAP van.

Anyone interested in making a donation for the LVAP van is asked to contact Al Church (DAV State Treasurer) at 860 – 529-1759 or via e‑mail at church_al@yahoo.com.

For more information about the DAV or AMVETS programs contact Al Meadows at 203 – 929-3357 or via e‑mail at al.meadows@snet.net.

Keep local reporting alive. Donate.ValleyIndy.org