Michael Rogers takes local veterans to their medical appointments.
Rogers was born in Milwaukee and, after moving to Shawano, graduated from Shawano High School in 1984. He joined the Marine Corps and planned to make it a career until 1990 when he injured his knee. He left the service in 1991 and is now a disabled veteran.
“To this day I still wish I was in,” Rogers said.
He worked as a bartender in California before divorcing and moving back to Shawano in 1994. He worked at the Washington Inn in Cecil for a short time before his current employment at North Star Casino for the Stockbridge-Munsee Community. He has been there for 18½ years. His wife, Lauri, also works at the casino. She is a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Auxiliary.They live in Tigerton. Between them they have five children and eight grandchildren.
Rogers is a lifetime member and current company commander of the DAV.
Q How did you get started driving for the Veterans Administration?
A “I just heard people talking about driving. Since I belong to the Disabled American Veterans I was talking to other drivers about it. I though it sounded pretty interesting so I went through the process. Even though it’s volunteer, there is a background check, a physical and you have to have your own insurance.”
Rogers has been driving for a year and a half.
Q What do you do?
A “We can drive anywhere between Appleton, Green Bay and Milwaukee. We have to go a certain way. For Milwaukee I might leave around 6 a.m., but it depends on how many veterans go along and what time their appointment is. For Green Bay we can leave later. When I’m able to drive, I try to take the Milwaukee runs. It’s a long day. You see people that you see down there all the time and talk with them.”
Q Why do you volunteer?
A “At first when I heard people talking about it, it sounded like something I could do for the veterans. Once I made the first trip, I was hooked. I drive a lot of people, mostly older. In my opinion some wouldn’t otherwise be able to make their appointments. On the way down and the way back they say they appreciate it, and I get a smile and a handshake. I would like enough drivers that if a veteran would have an emergency appointment, we can cover it. You hear all kinds of stories from the veterans. I never thought of being one to volunteer. I never knew it would be like that. I wish I could drive more. I like driving.”
To volunteer to drive, call the Veterans Administration office at 715-526-9183.
For information about the DAV, call Rogers at 715-326-0001.
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