They may be retired from active military service, but members of Disabled American Veterans chapter 47 never retire from their allegiance to those who fought for our country.

Chapter 47 commander John Callahan opened the group’s Feb. 2 meeting, which was held at Sno-Isle Library. Treasurer Missy Vaughn gave the financial report. Callahan and adjutant Michelle McClain gave membership figures as well as legislative updates affecting veterans.

Callahan noted in spite of the snow in the middle of the January, riders to Seattle’s VA hospital still look to the DAV and its volunteer van drivers for transportation.

“We saw 56 van riders for the month of January,” he said. “Even though much of Oak Harbor was snowed in for the better part of one week, people still have appointments at Seattle VA they’d like to keep, and it’s hard to reschedule appointments that may have taken you months

to get.”

Vice commander Muggs Monahan, a volunteer driver, commented on ways to meet the ongoing shortage of volunteer van drivers.

“I met one individual who, having waited two months to get an appointment, had to miss it due to no driver availability, and consequently, no transportation to Seattle VA,” said Monahan.

He suggested in the event no driver is available, they advise veterans to go to the Mount Vernon train station to try to catch a seat on the Bellingham or Mount Vernon vans.

As always, those interested in helping provide this much-appreciated service should call 257-4801.

Nominations for officers will be taken at the next meeting, set for March 1.