Transportation Network volunteer honored with presidential award.

Clifford Stoffel is keeping his President's Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award on the kitchen table so he can see it. "I am very proud to receive this award," he said. "It brings honor to the DAV Voluntary Services Program."

During the past eight years, Stoffel has donated 4,000 hours of service at the VA Maryland Health Care System as a volunteer with the Transportation Network. "It's been worth every minute doing it," said the member of DAV Chapter 13 in Glen Burnie, Md.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson visited Baltimore to present the award to Stoffel for his work at the Glen Burnie, Md., VA Outpatient Clinic. Nicholson also gave awards to other volunteers who have served in the Baltimore VA Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center and the regional outpatient clinics.

"It is gratifying that Secretary Nicholson and the President have recognized the compassionate service of one of our thousands of volunteers," said National Commander Bradley S. Barton. "Cliff is a dedicated and caring person who takes pride in being a veteran and helping veterans."

"The great strength of our 16,070 volunteers is that they carry forward our mission to help build better lives for disabled veterans and their families," said National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson. "They all deserve to be recognized for their service and volunteer spirit."

The Department of Veterans Affairs has more than 88,000 volunteers who contributed 12.5 million hours of service last year. All of them were recognized during National Volunteer Week, April 15-21.

"Volunteers are one of VA's most valuable assets, sharing the same spirit of compassion and dedication as our employees in helping our veteran patients," said Secretary Nicholson.

"It is important to note that the DAV and Auxiliary have more VA volunteers than any other veterans service organization," said National Director of Voluntary Services Edward E. Hartman. "Not only that, but many of our volunteers have donated their services for decades, compiling thousands of hours."

"Thanks to our volunteers, the VA has the largest volunteer program in the federal government and one of the largest in the nation," said Hartman.

As for Stoffel, he believes it's an obligation for veterans to help other veterans. "I feel that somebody has got to help these men and women," he said. "I like doing what I do, even though I'm 73 years old. I may be slowing down, but I ain't giving up."