VA Volunteers Drive 141K Miles for Veterans' Care

When a veteran walks through the doors at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Michigan, a friendly face in a red coat is always there to greet them with a smile and helping hand.

These red coat volunteers are just the visible part of an impressive network of people giving back to those who served. Last year, volunteers at the medical center provided 19,000 hours of service, equivalent to nine full-time employees working year-round.

The real heroes of the program are the 125 volunteer drivers who make healthcare possible for veterans living in remote areas. They logged more than 141,000 miles in 2024, transporting 1,383 veterans to and from their VA appointments across the entire Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin.

"They bring patients to our facility from Sault Ste. Marie, Ironwood, the Keweenaw, Rhinelander, Menominee and everywhere in between," said Katie Maxon, chief of VA Voluntary Services. These trips make healthcare accessible for veterans who would otherwise struggle with transportation in this rural region.

The volunteers work in many roles beyond driving. Some staff coffee stations where they serve veterans and visitors while offering directions and information. Others escort patients to appointments, especially those new to the facility. Care Companion volunteers provide comfort to hospice patients, offering presence and compassion during difficult times.

The Ripple Effect

Dr. John Shealey, the medical center director, sees the impact every day. "We cannot measure the quality of holding the hand of a hospice patient, the reassuring smiles that greet patients and visitors as they enter our facility, or the stories told while transporting veterans," he said.

The volunteers bring more than just transportation and wayfinding. They bring human connection, turning medical appointments into opportunities for conversation and companionship. For many rural veterans, these interactions might be their main social contact during the week.

"What impresses me is the passion and kindness with which our volunteers serve our veterans," Maxon said. The medical center will honor these volunteers throughout May and June with recognition lunches across the catchment area.

Anyone interested in joining this dedicated team can contact the VA Voluntary Service office, proving that the spirit of service continues long after military uniforms are hung up.