Parsons: The 4th of July weekend of celebrating our American Independence ended on a high note with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony attended by almost a hundred people officially dedicating the new Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center, Tucker County Community Based Outpatient Clinic at 260 Spruce St. in Parsons on Monday, July 7th.
The new facility, representing an investment of more than a million dollars, doubles the space available to serve our military veterans with more exam rooms, a large conference room for new programs, and modern equipment. On a beautiful summer day the invocation was offered by the Rev. James Snyder followed by the Presentation of Colors by the Tucker County Veterans.
Master of Ceremonies Ronald Sandreth Jr., VA operations manager, said “The family board, known as the wall of fame was transferred to the new clinic.” He added “We are also asking veterans to submit photos for the Wall of Honor. We already have 17 photos and are looking for more.”
Beth M. Brown, director for the L. A. Johnson VA Medical Center, was the keynote speaker welcoming local veterans, elected officials, Veterans Administration members and residents to this special event. The new clinic, will serve more than 1200 veterans from seven counties. She said, “We have telemedicine capability and we can do more with labs. Tucker County is our most rural clinic.”
Tucker County Commission President Mike Rosenau said “It’s a great asset. It’s especially wonderful for local veterans who have given so much so we can have freedom.”
Commissioner Diane Hinkle said “I think it’s great that the VA invested in and placed a facility here in Tucker County. It is a wonderful tribute to our veterans. They can see a physician locally; having this facility here is a blessing. It employs local people, was built by local contractors and financed through a local bank.”
Commissioner Lowell Moore added “This is a great facility and I want to thank veterans both from the past and the present for their service. I am glad the VA chose Tucker County for this clinic that serves veterans in seven counties.”
The event closed with a guided tour of the new modern clinic followed by refreshments served at the Senior Center.
Article By Terence E. Silk
For The Parsons Advocate