Disabled American Veterans helps people across the country. In the Central New York network of DAV alone, there are 42 vans.

There are chapters covering Upstate New York. Volunteers drive veterans to medical appointments for free — but they’re looking for more hands to help.

“I became a driver to thank the vets for putting their lives on line,” said Zygmunt Bakowski, a volunteer driver.

Bakowski is retired, and a few years ago he decided to drive for DAV.

“And I recommend if any man has a free day, do it. It's very satisfying and you're going to love it,” said Bakowski.

Drivers volunteer one day a week to bring veterans to medical appointments, and vans are supplied by the generosity of the community.

“Now, a lot of people don't understand these vans don't come flying down on a parachute from heaven. They don't. The government gives us none. We have to get them ourselves,” said William Gleason, a volunteer with DAV.

DAV chapters across upstate are looking for more people to lend their time.

“We need you; help us out,” said Gleason.

Gleason has been with DAV since 2005, helping to arrange volunteer drivers across a large footprint.

“We went from 260 drivers down to 116,” said Gleason.

The volunteer roster's ranks suffered in 2020, and DAV wants to train more people. From 2021-2022, Gleason’s chapter was able to transport 25,256 veterans through 34,800 volunteer hours.

“I was in the Navy, and on my bucket list was to do something that would help vets. So, this is helping me fulfill my bucket list,” said volunteer driver Michael Albin. “I've always had an affinity for people that served because I was one. And I know when I got out, it wasn't very friendly. And now these guys need some friends, maybe once in a while."

There is a process for volunteers to sign up to drive, which includes a fingerprint background check, orientation and a physical.