In addition to extending service hours for the holidays, Laketran added a full day of service on Monday, November 12, 2012 for Veterans Day (observed), a federal government holiday that Laketran has not operated on since 2008. “There are never enough opportunities for people to show their appreciation for the sacrifice our Veterans do for our country. Laketran and its employees salute our nation’s veterans and thank them for their service,” said Andy Altenweg, deputy general manager. “On November 12, we would like to continue to show our support by putting service back on the road for veterans and all our riders.” Veterans Day is not the only day of year Laketran supports Lake County veterans. Since 1995, Laketran, in partnership with Lake County Veterans Service Commission, has provided free Dial-a-Ride transportation to Lake County veterans to the county’s VA clinic and the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center in University Circle. In 2009, Laketran and Veterans Service Commission expanded the service subsidizing free transportation to any adult day care or medical appointment for Lake County veterans, either in Lake County or to University Circle hospitals. Laketran also promotes this program by participating in the VetsNet program managed by Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce that provides discounts at retail and service establishments in the Mentor Area to veterans, reserves and active duty service members. “Laketran has provided over 50,000 rides to Lake County veterans to access healthcare appointments with 5,492 of those rides in 2011 alone. It is the least we can do for the sacrifice that veterans have given to our country,” explains Altenweg.