Miles of Honor: Rides for Veterans
When Rowann Bastow gets an email about providing a ride for one of her favorite riders, she doesn’t just see a name on a trip list — she now sees a friend, a man who she discovered was once engaged to her mother in the 1940s, and a veteran who served our country in World War II.
That rider’s name is Bill. He’s nearly 100 years old and still sharp as a tack. He can’t drive anymore because of eyesight issues, but thanks to New Growth Transit, he doesn’t have to miss his VA appointments or his connection to community.
“Since my parents passed, he sorta feels like a substitute dad to me,” said Rowann.
For veterans like Bill — especially those who served during World War II, Korea, or Vietnam and are now aging seniors — living in rural Missouri often means long drives, sometimes hours long each way, to reach medical care, especially specialized care accessible because of VA benefits. Many times, Rowann has taken him and others from their hometown of Nevada, Missouri, to the VA Hospital in Kansas City — a trip that’s not easy for anyone, let alone someone nearing a century old.
“It’s hard for a lot of people to drive in the city,” Rowann said. “And after some procedures, they just need to rest. This way, they can close their eyes, and I’ll get them home safe.”
A new VA medical clinic in Nevada, Missouri, is making things a little easier for some. Basic lab work and checkups can now happen closer to home. But for major procedures, many veterans still depend on volunteers like Rowann to bridge the miles between rural roads and medical care in the city.
Honoring Veterans with Service
For Rowann, those miles mean more than transportation — they’re a tribute. “Veterans hold a special place in my heart,” she said. “My family has served in every war, clear back to the Revolutionary War. My dad was in the Air Force for 21 years, and both my kids served in the National Guard.”
That deep sense of service drives her to give back. “It feels good to help veterans,” she said. “So many don’t have anyone. This is something I can do —and it matters.”
She also finds joy in the unexpected along the way. “I’ve seen towns I never knew existed,” she laughed. “Once I found the best chicken-fried steak in Salisbury, Missouri. My son-in-law thought he was being funny and said, ‘So, you had a Salisbury steak in Salisbury?’ I told him, ‘Nope—chicken-fried, and it was worth the drive!’”
Rowann’s family has made volunteering a tradition. Her daughter and son-in-law have driven as volunteers too. “They got me into it,” she said. “Now, it’s just part of who we are.”
“It’s an honor to help those who’ve given so much,” Rowann said. “They’ve done their part for us, and now it’s our turn to do a little for them.” New Growth Transit works hard to make it as easy as possible for volunteer drivers to do just that.
Want to help? Call to chat with our volunteer driver coordinator or visit our website to download an application.
417-283-7991 or visit newgrowthtransit.org
Can't drive but still want to help? Donations support mileage reimbursements for those who so generously donate their time.
Donate online or mail donations to: New Growth Transit, c/o West Central MO Community Action Agency, 112 W 4th St, Appleton City, MO 64724