Pictured, is the late George Tobin. George served 20 years in the U.S. Navy in WWII, the Korean War, and did three tours in Vietnam. He passed away in February of 2016. (Provided Photo)
George Tobin, who passed away on Feb. 1, 2016, served much of his life serving the military, to include 20 years in the U.S. Navy in WWII, the Korean War, and three tours in Vietnam. He eventually retired from Singer Link in Binghamton, where he was a site simulation manager.
Prior to his passing in 2016, a handicap accessible van was donated to Tobin by the Veterans Administration. According to his surviving wife, Catherine Tobin, she is not sure why they selected him for the van, but it was very useful as it had a wheelchair ramp.
Following her husband’s passing, however, Catherine did not have a need for the van so she decided to donate the 2014 Dodge Van to the VFW Post in Owego.
“That’s what I donated it for, to use for their benefit,” said Catherine about the donation to the veterans.
Because the van was so large, and they didn’t have an immediate need for wheelchair accessibility, the VFW decided to sell it and then utilize the money to purchase a 15-passenger 2017 Chevy 3500 van from Royal Automotive.
According to the VFW, the Honor Guard, who conducts about 30 military funerals per year, as well as the auxiliary, who recently attended the Watchfire POW/MIA event at Myer’s Point by Lansing, will use the van.
Catherine Tobin, center, and Dave Vogel, Sr., senior vice commander at Post 1371, left, and Dave Bensley, VFW Post 1371 member, right, are pictured in front of the new van that will be utilized by VFW Post 1371. Tobin donated a van that was gifted to her late husband, George Tobin to the VFW, who then sold it for the purchase of a new van from Royal Automotive. (Photo by Wendy Post)
Van2 – Pictured in front of the new van, purchased by VFW Post 1371 with funds from the sale of a van donated by Catherine Tobin, are, from left, Jean Sabol, auxiliary president; Dave Vogel, Sr., senior vice commander; Joan Vassil, 50-year member of the auxiliary; Catherine Tobin; Linda Barrett, auxiliary member; Dave Bensley, VFW Post 1371 member; and Nikki Burdick, Royal Automotive. (Photo by Wendy Post)
The VFW also traded in their old van to help with the costs of the newer van. According to Dave Bensley, VFW member, they came out ahead by $800. Nikki Burdick, from Royal Automotive, added that they sold the van to the VFW at wholesale cost.
“It’s for the veterans,” said Burdick.
As for Catherine Tobin, she remains grateful for all of the services and the support her husband received during and following his time of service. As for the van, she stated, “I woke up and had a dream, I donated it to the vets!”
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