News from Athol Veterans continue service as volunteers
ATHOL – Five days a week, every week, every year, Bert Austin and other unsung heroes still serve.
Austin is a volunteer driver of the Spokane Veterans Administration’s nine-passenger van, used to transport vets to and from medical appointments.
The vans are purchased and equipped by the Disabled American Veterans, with funding from various veterans organizations such as the Marine Corps League, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Austin, a former Marine who lives in Spirit Lake, drives the van two days a week – down from four days a week a few years ago. He has been pulling the volunteer duty in North Idaho for 11 years. Before that, he drove a van from Port Townsend, Wash., via ferry, to the VA center in Seattle.
Other long-term volunteer drivers are Doug Harms, of Athol, and Bob Boyles, of Coeur d’Alene, nine years each; and Francis Sheets, also of Coeur d’Alene, and Pete Ellers, of Hayden, six years each.
All in their 70s (some closer to 80) they ply the freeways and backroads assisting area veterans.
Regular stops are made at Miller’s Food City in Spirit Lake, the Conoco gas station in Athol, the Rathdrum Hico and the Hayden and Post Falls Super 1 food stores, as well as various places in Coeur d’Alene. Reservations must be made at the VA.
Irregular pickups are made down dusty dirt roads and up mountains – anywhere a veteran needs a ride to a doctor appointment.
All drivers have to pass a stringent physical and be qualified as a driver.
The Disabled American Veterans vans last only about four years before needing replacement, clocking more than 100,000 miles and carrying an average of 1,300 passengers in all weather conditions.
Athol to get medical clinic
A medical clinic is being established in Athol for the first time in anyone’s memory.
Owners of Timberlake Family Medicine are remodeling the former Boyz Toys, sharing the building with Little Town Market.
Chris Sunquist, physician’s assistant, will treat all comers. The clinic will accept patients with Medicare, Medicaid and all private insurance as well as people who do not have any medical coverage. Workers’ compensation also is welcome. The clinic, which is equipped with X-ray equipment and a lab, is scheduled to open on or around July 1.
Phone number is 683-0800.
Eat your own steak, dance
Entertainment this weekend features Bring Yer Own Steak Nite at the Legion, followed by dancing to the music of the Bells, on Saturday night. Barbecue will start at 6 p.m.
At the Crossroads, it’s karaoke on both Friday and Saturday. Festivities will begin at 9 p.m.