Vet helping vets

Hutchinson man has volunteered for DAV for 30+ years, was recently recognized nationally

By Scott Thoma

Van Karg of Hutchinson has been volunteering his services as a driver for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization for over 30 years, logging over 15,000 hours in the process.

Van Karg of Hutchinson assists a disabled veteran to a medical appointment at the Veteran’s Hospital in St. Cloud.  Van Karg has been helping veterans through DAV for more than 30 years. Photo by Scott Thoma

Karg’s commitment and dedication recently earned him the 2025 George H. Seal Memorial Trophy as the DAV National Volunteer of the Year at a convention on Aug. 9 in Las Vegas The trophy stands as a symbol of selfless service and enduring commitment to the veteran community. The DAV Volunteer of the Year award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions through either the Local Volunteer Assistance Program (LVAP) or the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS).

“I enjoy what I’m doing,” said Karg, a veteran of the Vietnam war who was wounded in the line of duty in South Vietnam. “I’ve met a lot of great veterans. Some of their stories, both good and bad, bring tears to my eyes. I’ll be doing this as long as I can.”

Karg picks up and drives veterans to medical appointments. He also delivers medical supplies and apparatus to various places that need them through the DAV Transportation Network and various other veteran support programs.

Driving almost daily for the Hutchinson DAV Chapter 37, Karg averages nearly 30,000 miles a year behind the wheel transporting wounded veterans to various medical appointments, generally within a 40-mile radius of Hutchinson, as well as trips to pick up or deliver medical equipment such as wheelchairs, chair lifts, and beds throughout the state. This tireless dedication to his fellow veterans ensures that they receive the care and support they deserve.

Van Karg of Hutchinson received the George H. Seal Memorial Trophy for his many hours volunteering through the Disabled American Veterans organization. Photo by Scott Thoma

Karg also organizes informational seminars to help other veterans understand and access the benefits they have earned through their service.

As a wounded U.S. Army E-4 veteran, Karg has an understanding of the challenges and struggles that veterans face after serving their country. He was injured on June 12, 1967 during an ambush while stationed in Dau Tieng in South Vietnam. He was shot in the left arm and wrist and spent 21 days in the hospital.

On his flight home, Karg recounts what led him to his present volunteer services.

“I was half-asleep, half-awake on a passenger jet,” he said. “I had a talk with God. He told me that I was pulled out of some sticky situations and it was time for me to help others. My time in the service is on my mind every day. It never goes away.”

Oather Martin, who is the past commander of the Hutch DAV, said that Karg “works tirelessly for veterans; always has, always will.”

Karg, who retired from 3M in Hutchinson in 2007, also serves as the adjutant of the Hutchinson DAV Chapter 37.