The Gen. Claire Chennault Flying Tigers Chapter 51 of the Disabled American Veterans will conduct a fundraiser this week to help raise money for the region’s first veteran shuttle to the Jackson, Mississippi VA hospital.

Local veteran and chapter founder Michael Shaw said the group is looking for chapter members as well as volunteer drivers.

A fundraiser will be held at TP Outdoors Thursday, Friday and Saturday to raffle off a number of items, including a rod and reel and tent. Raffle tickets are $1.

The chapter has received 501(c)3 status to raise money for van services. It will work in tandem with West Monroe’s McClendon Chapter No. 8 of the DAV, which provides shuttles to the Shreveport hospital.

The Chennault Flying Tigers Chapter 51 has nine potential volunteer drivers who also would help provide service to Shreveport, Shaw said.

“Now for the first time in the history of northeastern Louisiana, veterans north and south of the I-20 corridor will be able to meet us on the interstate in places like Delhi, Tallulah, Rayville, and we will pick them up and take them to their appointments and take them back,” Shaw said.

The chapter is currently seeking volunteer drivers to transport veterans to the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.

For more information about joining the new chapter, becoming a volunteer driver or helping with fund-raising activities, contact Shaw at 237-9689.

The chapter meets at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum on the second Thursday of every month. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. Members should be veterans who were active in the military during war time.  – original article –