The Veterans Transportation Network in the Marquette area is in need of volunteer drivers. The van transports ambulatory veterans to and from appointments at the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center and from their homes in Marquette County to the local community-based Outpatient Clinic, Monday through Friday, at no charge. If you are interested in helping, please contact 906-373-6191. (Photo courtesy of the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center)

MARQUETTE – The van door opens and four veterans climb out. They shake hands and express their appreciation to the volunteer driver who has just driven the 90 miles from Marquette to safely deliver them to their appointments at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain.

While the volunteers love to help, many express it’s the personal interaction and veteran stories they enjoy. Hearing about the veteran’s experiences and sharing the details of their service is what keeps them dedicated to the Veteran Transportation Network. They state it’s a great way to help and make new friends.

The VTN is comprised of volunteer drivers and vehicles purchased through the Disabled American Veterans transportation program, then donated to the VA for transporting veterans from across the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin to and from their appointments at the main facility in Iron Mountain, and in Marquette, to the VA’s community-based Outpatient Clinic.

In 2025, 122 DAV volunteer drivers logged over 141,000 miles transporting 1,400 veterans to their appointments.

“For years we have provided transportation for veterans from the Marquette area to the local clinic or Iron Mountain VA for services,” said Erica Smith, current area coordinator for the Marquette VTN route. Smith continued, “So many veterans are unable to drive or have limited resources and this service provides continued access to healthcare for them, at no cost. They rely on us and we are honored to help them.”

Currently, there is a critical shortage of volunteer drivers in the Marquette area. Those interested in volunteering to support area veterans can contact area coordinator, Erica Smith, for more information and referral to volunteer registration at 906-373-6191.