Pocono News Section

Vets Asking for Replacement Travel Bus

Vets Asking for Replacement Travel Bus - Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 5:45PM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2009 @ 05:45pm EST
PLAINS TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY- Veterans are getting some movement to replace what they call a dangerous bus. The VA Medical Center in Plains Township owns a 21-year-old bus used for recreational trips for patients.

Veterans recently used the bus to visit the traveling Vietnam War wall in Hawley. Va Medical Center patient Frank Zielecki said, "The bus, she's pretty well wore out."

Zielecki and other veterans say when it rains, the bus leaks. "Yeah on the roof up top. In fact I got wet one day," said Zielecki.

The complaints don't stop there. Some say the bus has broken down causing trip cancellations. Veterans who are not patients at the VA Medical Center are stepping in.

James English is the American Legion's 15th district's Deputy Commander. "It's very sad. We have veterans dying down there every day. Some of these trips are the last trips that taking," said English.

English has written letters to elected officials, asking for help with a replacement bus. English talked about VA patients saying, "They have no way of getting out. This is what they need. We've got to get them out on the road."

The bus was donated to the VA through grassroots fundraising 21 years ago. Officials at the VA say they're aware of the bus condition. "With the age of the bus there aren't many vendors available do that but we recognize that and we're presently seeking a vendor to rectify that," said VA Public Relations Coordinator Vincent Riccardo.

Some vets say government stimulus money allocated to the VA should be used to make the necessary repairs to this bus. English said, "It was donated by the people last time. That's why this time the government needs to step forward."

English says he's been told new bus estimates range between $500,000 and $600,000. The VA says federal dollars might become available for repairs or a new bus. But not until the next fiscal year starts this October.

The VA says the bus has been out of service a total of 13 days in the last three years.