KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)-- A van used to help out disable veterans has been recovered less than a week after it was stolen.

Former commander Rick Lynch, with Disabled American Veterans of Knoxville, said the van turned up in Loudon County on Thursday. Lynch said the thieves had put Blount County tags on the van in an attempt to disguise it, and the two suspects are in custody.

Even though the van was recovered, Lynch said it still was costly for DAV — to tow the van from Loudon to Knox County, it cost the organization $375. Lynch said he was able to pick it up Friday.

Disabled servicemen, who fought to defend the United States of America, were left in limbo while the van was missing.

"Without that van right now, I can't take care of any veterans," Lynch said.

Lynch said a thief hot wired the van the evening of Saturday, May 27, that he uses to deliver electric wheel chairs, scooters and walkers to East Tennessee veterans.

"I don't think you can get any lower than that," Lynch said.

Lynch had an appeal to the car-jacker, who is accused of stealing from some of East Tennessee's most beloved people.

"If you have any conscience at all, any respect for veterans — especially disabled veterans who rely on us to take care of them — do the right thing," Lynch said.

Lynch said he parked the van in his driveway for eight years. Without it, the veterans can't get what they desperately need to get around.

"it's clearly marked with a big sign on the back that says 'DAV.' It's got the handicap ramp in the back of it," Lynch said. "Whoever stole it knew it belonged to a disabled veteran, and they stole it on Memorial (Day) weekend.

"We have veterans this week that are waiting for their equipment to come to them that we can't deliver."

DAV Knoxville uses the van to help 20-30 veterans per month. Now, the organization has to find a new one so they can keep making a difference.