MADISON, Wis.— A Madison-based veterans' nonprofit needs your help paying off the repairs of an expensive necessity.

What You Need To Know

  • Engine on decade old vehicle failed last month and needed expensive work

  • Dryhootch nonprofit still paying off the pricey problem

  • 'Valor' van takes vets to and from VA appointments, the pantry and other stores

  • Van helps disabled vets who don't have other ways of getting around

Dryhootch's Veteran’s "Valor" van transports former servicemembers to the store, pantry or the VA.  

"We're supplying them with a service that otherwise wouldn't be available," Joe Frey said.

Frey is a Dryhootch Valor driver proud of all he has accomplished by running nearly 200 Dane County area Veterans to their appointments. 

"This van has been it's been a godsend to me and a lot of other vets," the honorably discharged Marine Private David Davis said.

These days, Davis gets around in a power chair and is thankful Frey can strap him in safe and sound for the free ride.

"The thing is there are a lot of veterans in this city that are like me, in a wheelchair or power chair, that can’t get to the store," he said.

Last month, the service came to an abrupt halt. Valor went offline as it need urgent maintenance and a new $21,000 engine.

"People don't realize how much it takes to actually run this vehicle," Frey said. "It's always a concern because we have to depend on donations so much. That it gets scary sometimes when you don't have things coming in."

Frey said with Dryhootch is paying off the service plus routine maintenance — and $200 gas tank fill ups. 

All pricey problems, but all fulfill critical community needs.

"This van is a necessity to the veterans for one reason or another and it’s got to keep going," Davis said. 

Frey sure hopes it can. He couldn’t serve his country because of an impairment. He is legally deaf, but he loves how can serve now.

"They don't have to explain to me what they need. All they have to do is say we need help. And if I can give them the help that they require. I'm there to do it," Frey said.

You can contribute to Dryhootch, here.