Disabled American Veterans Chapter 32 Commander Paul DeBerry, left, presents the keys to a 1986 Mercury to West Union resident and Navy veteran Alfred Griswold on Oct. 12. (Photo provided by Paul DeBerry)

PARKERSBURG — Alfred Griswold needed a new vehicle, but he didn’t expect, or want, a “new” vehicle.

“He said, ‘I want something old,'” recalled Paul DeBerry, commander of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 32.

Griswold, a 79-year-old Doddridge County resident who served two years of active duty in the Navy and four years as a reserve, had been getting around in a 1994 Ford Ranger in less-than-ideal condition.

“Almost a year I drove it with just first and second gear,” he said. “Third and fourth was gone, reverse was out of it.”

That’s how he made the monthly trek to the DAV’s veteran food pantry on Little Stillwell Road in Murphytown.

“He had to drive all the way from West Union to Parkersburg at 45 miles an hour,” DeBerry said.

DeBerry wanted to help Griswold get a new vehicle and talked to him about what he needed.

“I’m not particular,” Griswold said. “If it’s got a good motor and transmission, I’m happy.”

The vehicle DeBerry found came from another Navy veteran, who had wanted to donate it after his death. Although nearly 40 years old, the Mercury had just 39,000 miles on it.

“He (Griswold) says, ‘Oh man, that’s what I’m looking for. That’s exactly what I want,'” DeBerry recalled.

“I like it,” Griswold said. “For as old as it is, it’s in excellent shape.”

Not only can he get to the pantry at more than 45 mph, he can take himself and his wife, Terry, to doctor’s appointments and go shopping in it.

DeBerry said he and the chapter will facilitate other donations of vehicles to veterans in need and people can contact him at 304-679-3600. More information about the pantry, which serves any veteran living under the federal poverty line, is available at that number as well.

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com