Volunteers needed: heed the call.

Our newest generation of disabled veterans is finding a wonderful resource as they turn to the VA for medical care--the DAV corps of outstanding volunteers and Hospital Service Coordinators.

This group of more than 16,000 volunteers is bringing their great spirit and compassionate care to young veterans as well as those from previous wars. Last year, our volunteers contributed 2.4 million hours of vital services to veterans at VA hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. In addition, our volunteers annually contribute about one million hours at veterans medical facilities outside the VA, such as those operated by state governments.

Our Hospital Service Coordinators at 185 VA facilities across the country ensure that volunteers are meeting the needs of sick and hospitalized veterans.

In addition, our 9,000 Transportation Network volunteer drivers contributed 1.8 million hours and drove 25.2 million miles last year, providing free rides to 762,000 veterans. Since our transportation program began in 1987, nearly 10.4 million veterans have been transported about 391 million miles.

Last year, DAV donated 127 Ford vans to the VA. This year we will donate 164 more. Over the lifetime of our program, DAV has donated 1,959 vans, at a cost of $39.2 million.

The Jesse Brown Youth Volunteer Scholarship Program has encouraged hundreds of young volunteers to join our efforts, and it is paying big dividends in service to sick and disabled veterans.

It is a remarkable record of volunteer achievement in service, compassion and commitment to veterans. But more needs to be done.

Our World War II generation of volunteers is fading. So are those from the Korean War generation. They are ably replaced by the Vietnam generation, but more youthful participants are needed. The scholarship program adds many, but the needs of veterans require more.

The DAV has aggressively recruited new volunteers over the years using television public service announcements featuring actors Paul Newman and Gary Sinise. They have carried our message seeking more volunteers at VA medical centers to every corner of the nation. It has been a very successful campaign, but war has had its effect.

As ever increasing numbers of wounded and injured from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan return home, they are delighted to learn that there are caring volunteers who seek to offer them their service. But the demand for volunteers has increased dramatically. More than 50,000 service members have been wounded or injured in these wars and they need your help, as do the veterans of previous wars.

From making hot popcorn to serving in the wards offering comfort kits and lap blankets, our DAV and Auxiliary volunteers are making significant daily contributions to lift the spirits of our hospitalized veterans. It is a worthwhile calling, and one in which there is great need.

As part of our effort to support those who sacrifice for our freedom, please consider becoming a DAV or Auxiliary volunteer. For additional information, please contact the DAV Voluntary Services office at National Service and Legislative Headquarters at 202-554-3501. Even a couple of hours volunteering each month could make a big difference to those who are patients at VA medical centers and facilities. It's a great way to pay them back for all they have given to our country.

Edward E. Hartman, National Director of Voluntary Services