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Veterans award local Uni-Mart for service to VA Hospital

By Staff | Nov 5, 2013

In appreciation for their continuous support, members of the Vietnam War Veterans Post PA 51 gave a plaque to the managers at Uni-Mart. Left to right: James Sander, Vice Commander Post 51, Jackie Neron, Uni-Mart co-manager, Linda Cyckowski, store manager, Bob Miller, Post 51 and Ken Perks, Sgt. of Arms, Post 51.

HUGHESVILLE – Just in time for Veteran’s Day, members of the Veterans of the Vietnam War Post PA 51 wanted to give a plaque to honor the “exceptional service” they have been receiving from the management at the Uni-Mart located on Main Street in Hughesville.

Bob Miller who uses the VA shuttle service often from the Williamsport Outpatient Clinic said that each week he is able to park his car at the Uni-Mart so that he can ride the shuttle to the Veterans Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre. He was one of the main organizers of getting the plaque made to give to the Uni-Mart.

Jenny Borek, a medical support assistant, sets up the appointments for the veterans and arranges the shuttle pick-up for them. About three to four local residents use the service each month.

Linda Cyckowski, store manager for Uni-Mart, said she was quite surprised to learn that they were going to award her and Jackie Neron, her co-manager with the plaque. She placed it by the front register on the wall so that all customers could view it.

The outpatient clinic is a federal program offered to veterans and all appointments can be scheduled through the outpatient clinic located on the third floor in the Wenner Building on Warren Ave. in Williamsport. The shuttle service makes about 4 stops along the way. The last one is at the Dandy Mart in Lairdsville on Rt. 118. “We shuttle about 5 to 8 veterans a week,” said Borek. It is a free service that runs on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

To apply for services and benefits, veterans can seek help through the County’s Veterans Affairs office in downtown Williamsport through George Heiges. In order to get the service, one must first be a registered veteran in the system according to Borek. “And the veterans who come here, volunteer to drive the shuttle,” she added. But first they must obtain the training and pass a physical.

On Saturday, November 9, a Welcome Home Parade will be featured in the city of Williamsport at 2 p.m. to honor all veterans.