75,496 miles and 13,425 hours.

U.S. Army veteran Francis Murray was the driving force that helped more than 1,600 vets for a decade.

He spent his time with the DAV Volunteer Transportation Network at the Syracuse VA Medical Center.

"We pick them up at their home,” said Edward Rogers, the DAV Volunteer Transportation Network hospital service coordinator. “We bring them to Syracuse or their local clinics. Then we take them back home. It's not an easy job and Fran was excellent at doing it."

Murray had a long route living in Watertown.

He started as a driver and then became the area coordinator for Jefferson County, overseeing more than 20 volunteers.

"Even though he had another job, he went to pick up people ahead of time and meet us here so we didn't have to spend half of our lives on the road,” said Gervin Friedrich, a DAV Volunteer Transportation Network driver.

"He worked until 8 at night,” said Sandra Faylo, Murray's fiancé. “That was his life. He loved it, and that's how he died -- picking up a patient. He died doing what he loved."

Murray passed away on January 3 at 71-years-old, after having bronchitis and heart complications.

He left behind family, friends and vets who feel lost without him.

"The fact that he was so organized and his organization helped every one of us to do a better job and be a better driver,” said Friedrich.

"He waited to give back to all the veterans, being a veteran himself,” said Rogers. “He’ll do anything for his fellow veterans."

He fought for them on the battlefield and here at home.

"He wasn't afraid to go to bat for his drivers or his veterans,” said Faylo. “He would fight the upper level people if there was an injustice done. He wasn't afraid to say what he thought. He was doing it for them."

A hero who will be greatly missed.

"He's a quiet giant of a person,” said Friedrich. “Just did everything he could do for us to make us feel appreciated."

"I thank God for the 12 and half years we were together,” said Faylo. “I still love him."

And will be remembered for his willingness to go the extra mile.

Not only did he help the veterans, but he also worked for Nascentia Health bringing patients to their appointments.

Before that, he owned a hardware store for 25 years.

The DAV Volunteer Transportation Network is also in need for volunteers. They serve 14 counties. Contact the DAV scheduling office at (315) 425-4352 for more information.