Veterans Day is a time to recognize all military servicemembers, who have honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces, for their sacrifice and commitment to the nation.
In recognition of this time-honored day, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District and the Fort Knox community, celebrated the opening of the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic with a ribbon cutting ceremony held Nov. 10 on Fort Knox.
“I can’t think of a better way to recognize and honor our veterans for their service and sacrifice than the dedication of this brand-new state-of-the-art VA clinic,” said Stephen Black, Robley Rex VA Medical Center director. “Veterans in this area can now rest assured that they will be able to receive the highest level of care, efficient quality healthcare within their own community well into the future.”
While the groundbreaking ceremony was held on a cold December day, the ribbon cutting brought beautiful, comfortable weather.
“I remember well being at this very spot, Dec. 11, 2018 for the groundbreaking,” said Cynthia Breyfogle VA MidSouth Healthcare Network director. “It was different weather that day to say the least. It was very cold.”
The groundbreakings are always exciting but moving into the building and being able to serve veterans is the most exciting, according to Breyfogle.
“As the director of the VA MidSouth Healthcare Network, I am proud to be here as we recognize and celebrate VA’s commitment to caring for our nation’s heroes,” Breyfogle added.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District oversaw the construction of the 18,579 square feet clinic, which began March 4, 2019.
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District is proud to have played a part in delivering this state-of-the-art facility, which will provide a modern, convenient, comfortable location for veterans to receive the care they need,” said Louisville District Commander Col. Eric Crispino. “We are proud of the dedicated team who saw this project to fruition.”
The Corps’ partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs demonstrates the ongoing commitment to proudly care for all those who serve.
“We are pleased to continue building that strong partnership between USACE and the VA to provide veterans and their families world class healthcare facilities across the United States,” Crispino said. “We are proud to turn over this facility here at Fort Knox for our local veterans.”
The Fort Knox VA CBOC served its first patient Oct. 15, 2020 and provides medical services to about 5,900 veterans, residing in a four-county area.