Getting to a medical appointment isn’t always as simple as getting in a car and driving there.
For many Veterans, especially those living in rural communities or needing specialized care far from home, transportation can be one of the biggest barriers to accessing healthcare. As a result, it’s not uncommon for Veterans to miss appointments, delay treatment, or incur additional costs to travel long distances, all of which make it difficult to get the care they need.
That’s why Nation’s Finest is proud to partner with Angel Flight West (AFW), a nonprofit organization that provides air and ground transportation for people with non-emergency healthcare needs—all at zero cost to the passenger.
For more than 40 years, Angel Flight West has been helping people access critical medical care by connecting them with volunteer pilots, commercial airline partners, and volunteer drivers. The nonprofit has collectively provided more than 100,000 flights across the western United States, creating pathways to healthcare for individuals who might otherwise be unable to reach it.
Through this partnership, Veterans and their caregivers connected to Nation’s Finest may be eligible to receive free transportation assistance to medical appointments and specialty providers when distance or travel costs create a barrier to treatment. In addition to donated flights, Angel Flight West’s network of volunteer drivers—known as Earth Angels—helps passengers travel between airports and healthcare facilities, ensuring support throughout the journey.
“Connecting Veterans with the services they need is an essential part of our mission,” says AFW Executive Director Mary Hunter. “We’re grateful for our volunteer pilots who sign up to ensure these men and women can access critical care, support programs, and opportunities that improve their quality of life.”
At Nation’s Finest, we know that supporting Veterans means addressing the challenges that stand between them and the resources they need to thrive. Transportation may seem simple, but for many Veterans, reliable access can mean the difference between receiving healthcare and going without it.
“Many Veterans we serve must confront the tyranny of distance, especially when it comes to healthcare,” says Nation’s Finest CEO Chris Flaherty. “In most, if not all of our locations, Veterans often find themselves hundreds of miles and hours away from VA and other medical facilities. We now get to reduce that burden a bit not only for Veterans but also their caregivers. Partners like Angel Flight West make that possible because they go above and beyond in service, and we are forever in their debt.”
If transportation challenges are making it difficult for you or a Veteran you know to access healthcare, Nation’s Finest and Angel Flight West may be able to help. Contact your local Nation’s Finest office or speak with a case manager to learn whether transportation assistance through Angel Flight West may be available.
To learn more about Angel Flight West and its mission, visit angelfightwest.org.
