Editor’s Note: This is one of a series of articles about local agencies that receive funding from the Bryan County United Way.

They are the newest chapter of the Vietnam Veterans Association (VVA) in the state of Oklahoma, but are already making a significant impact on the lives of veterans in Bryan County.

VVA Chapter 986 in Durant has served the veterans in the area for four years now, and with a grant from the Bryan County United Way (BCUW) two years ago, the chapter has been able to continue one of its most critical services.

“We became involved with the United Way primarily because 99 percent of the money they raise stays in Bryan County,” chapter president Roy Brown said. “We want to help people here locally first.”

The chapter assists many veterans with rides to and from their doctor’s appointments at Veteran’s Hospitals in Bonham and Dallas, Texas, and in Muskogee and Oklahoma City.

“Prior to receiving the grant, the chapter was having to pay for that transportation out of its own pocket,” Brown said. “When gas prices went up it became a real problem.”

Many veterans are unable to drive themselves to their appointments, and in a small community like Durant public transportation is not an option.

“Most of the time the guys are there for most of the day,” Brown said, “so we’ll take them and stay with them until they’re done, and then bring them home.”

According to Brown, one of the biggest problems has been getting the word out to area veterans about the services offered through the chapter office.

“I think we’re finally making some headway there,” Brown said. “We’re seeing more people recently than we ever have.”

This year the chapter has served approximately 30 percent more veterans than last year, and this quarter they have assisted approximately 250 percent more veterans with transportation to medical appointments.

One of the primary goals of Chapter 986 has been to be heavily involved with the community, doing as much as possible to assist veterans and the community as a whole.

The chapter does a cookout twice a year for the veterans and staff at the Veteran’s Home in Bonham, and also has a Christmas party each year at the home.

They also participate with “Feed the Children,” receiving two or three shipments of goods a year for distribution to food banks in the area, take part in the United Way Community Tool Box and support Project Jodi, which distributes clothing and blankets to those in need.

Additionally, Chapter 986 offers services to veterans two or three days a week at their office located in the Bryan County Assistance Center at 1303 W. Waco Street.

Chapter 986 has a major fundraiser each June with a fish fry at the Bryan County Community Building and also participates in the Antlers Deer Fest to recruit new members and raise funds.

Those wishing to contact VVA Chapter 986 can reach the office at (580) 920-1199.