With cooler temperatures and the knowledge that snow will be falling somewhere in our future, it may be a bit of a stretch to think about golf carts. But golf carts are expanding their presence and purpose beyond golf courses. In fact, electric golf carts are enjoying increased popularity in the United States, helping people with mobility challenges travel more easily from one place to the other.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and the Minnesota Veterans Home - Montevideo were honored in October to accept the generous donation of an electric golf cart from Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Western Chapter 24 in Montevideo.

Ashley Bormann, Administrator, Montevideo Veterans Home, thanked the Chapter for its thoughtful donation. “We appreciate this gift as it will help to improve our Veterans’ sense of independence and expand the opportunities they have to engage in our recreational activities.”

Tim Kolhei, Commander, DAV Western Chapter 24 and Chippewa County CVSO (County Veterans Service Officer), explained that mobility leads to inclusion. “We have the biking and walking trail and three school buildings within a half mile of the Home,” Kolhei said. “The Veterans can get outside and participate in their community, in spite of physical limitations. The cart will help with that.”

Commander Kolhei said his Chapter was inspired to make this donation in Montevideo by a similar electric golf cart donation from a different organization to another of Minnesota’s soon-to-open State Veterans Homes located in Bemidji.

“We read about it and thought that would work well here, too,” noted Kolhei. “Our Treasurer, Paul Larson, contacted local partners to help with purchasing and customizing our cart.” NB Golf Cars out of Hendricks, Minnesota provided the cart and DC Signs in Montevideo wrapped the vehicle with MDVA and DAV logos.

Brad Lindsay, MDVA Temporary Commissioner, expressed gratitude for a donation that will help Residents socialize away from campus. “This vehicle provides a pathway to community connections and camaraderie with each other. What a wonderful way to ensure accessibility to programs that all Residents can enjoy.”

Over the past year, DAV Western Chapter 24 has also donated time and financial resources to the three new and five existing State Veterans Homes in support of recreational activity programming. Anyone interested in learning more about DAV’s mission or in becoming a member should visit davmn.org.

Minnesota Veterans Homes rely upon the ongoing encouragement and assistance we receive through donations like this one. Online contributions are welcome at MinnesotaVeteran.org/Donate.

Photo, standing from left to right: MDVA team members Elissa Laumb, Amanda Duenow, Joseph Mendez, Jason Erp, Bryce Irwin. Sitting in cart: DAV Western Chapter 24 Treasurer, Paul Larson.