Great Plains Veterans Services Center Expands Transportation Services Across Rural Montana with HRTG Grant

Photo credit Great Plains Veterans Services Center The Great Plains Veterans Services Center (GPVSC) is proud to announce a major expansion of its transportation services, now covering 45 rural counties across Montana. This expansion, made possible by the VA Highly Rural Transportation Grant (HRTG) awarded in September 2024, will ensure safe and reliable transportation for Veterans traveling to VA medical and VA-referred appointments. The grant was originally awarded to American Legion Post 67 (Rocky Boy Veterans Post) in 2014, covering only one county. In 2020, GPVSC became a subgrantee and has since worked to grow the program to better serve Veterans across rural Montana. The expansion of Veteran transportation services has resulted in tremendous growth over the years. 2014 (American Legion Post 67): 64 trips covering 11,666 miles 66 Veterans served 2024 (GPVSC) 638 trips covering 210,109 miles 321 Veterans served First Two Months of 2025 (GPVSC’s Expansion): 80 trips covering 28,099 miles 53 Veterans served These numbers demonstrate the increasing demand for transportation services and the critical role GPVSC plays in ensuring rural Veterans have access to VA healthcare. Since receiving the latest grant, GPVSC has been diligently working to recruit and hire qualified transportation drivers to serve these expanded areas. To further support the expansion, the organization has also invested in an upgraded fleet of brand-new 2025 Subaru Outbacks, ensuring safe, comfortable, and all-terrain reliable transportation for Montana’s Veterans. “We are thrilled to extend our reach to more rural communities,” said Chauncey Parker, Executive Director of Great Plains Veterans Services Center. “Securing the grant was just the first step—our team has worked hard over the past several months to recruit the right drivers and expand our vehicle fleet with reliable, all-weather vehicles suited for Montana’s rural county roads. Now, we’re ready to serve more Veterans than ever before.” Counties Now Covered: Veterans in the following 45 rural Montana counties can now benefit from these expanded transportation services: Beaverhead, Big Horn, Blaine, Broadwater, Carbon, Carter, Chouteau, Custer, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Fergus, Garfield, Glacier, Golden Valley, Granite, Hill, Judith Basin, Liberty, Lincoln, Madison, McCone, Meagher, Mineral, Musselshell, Park, Petroleum, Phillips, Pondera, Powder River, Powell, Prairie, Richland, Roosevelt, Rosebud, Sanders, Sheridan, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Teton, Toole, Treasure, Valley, Wheatland, and Wibaux. How to Access Services: If you or a Veteran you know could benefit from these free transportation services, please reach out for eligibility details and scheduling: Call us at (877) 385-5250 Visit our website: www.greatplainsveterans.org With this expansion, Great Plains Veterans Services Center is committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that every Veteran—no matter how rural their location—has access to the healthcare they deserve.