Celebrating 100 years of providing quality care for Veterans
Deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, a small town by the name of Kerrville has been providing care for Veterans since 1923, even before the Department of Veterans Affairs gained ownership of the main facility in the area.
Now known as the Kerrville VA Medical Center (VAMC), this historic haven is a place where Veterans not only receive their healthcare, but also spend quality time with others who share the same passion for their country and for one another.
And on April 12, Veterans, South Texas Veterans Health Care System leadership and staff, local and state officials, and key community stakeholders gathered to honor the 100th anniversary of the Kerrville VAMC.
An open blue sky gave way to a beautifully-lit ceremony right in front of the main entrance of the facility, setting the stage for a special celebration that South Texas took great pride in.
“It’s a privilege to be here with you all and participate in this historical moment as we honor the oldest and longest running VA facility in Texas,” said Executive Director, Dr. Julianne Flynn said. ““Not only has this facility provided health care for the last 100 years, but it has always been dedicated to caring for this country’s Veterans.”
Back in 1919, Kerr County community members witnessed the need for care of its World War I Veterans and began constructing the facility now known as Kerrville VAMC on 790 acres of land donated by Louis and A.C. Schreiner, where today renovations are underway to expand access to care for not only our Veterans of former wars, but those who have yet to discharge and come home.
Kerrville VAMC today would not have been possible without the vision and dedication of the American Legion and early Kerrville leaders. Through their efforts, today in Kerrville stands a modern medical center dedicated to the preservation of life and history.
And in March 1995, the Kerrville VAMC merged with Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio to form South Texas Veterans Health Care System. Since then, both facilities have worked tirelessly to coordinate inter-hospital referrals and sharing of patient services to provide the best care possible for Veterans in the surrounding areas.
“From our Network Office, I would like to take this opportunity to compliment the South Texas Veterans Health Care Systems’ hospital leadership for putting Veterans at the center of everything they do to ensure Veterans receive the highest quality care,” said
VA Heart of Texas Health Care Network Director, Dr. Wendell Jones. “To the Kerrville staff, thank you for your dedication and service to America’s Veterans. Standing here and seeing so many Veterans in attendance, I can tell that you have truly made a difference in the lives of many.”
Not only did the centennial ceremony highlight the significance of all in attendance, but also provided an opportunity for viewing of historical items, memorable moments captured in still images, and an emotional video that included interviews with longtime Kerrville VAMC employees.
“Through the years, I have had the opportunity to have a lot of memories and they will stay with me forever, especially those one-on-one moments with Veterans that you bond with,” Terry Garza, Patient Advocate at Kerrville VAMC said. “ I have met many heroes behind these bricks and the stories that they have shared with me will stay with me forever.”
Garza, who has been employed at Kerrville VAMC for the last 36 years played a key role in preparing for the centennial ceremony and used her expertise of the facility and its staff to ensure a successful ceremony to honor this 100th anniversary.
Kerrville VAMC currently serves approximately 10,000 unique Veterans and, among several outpatient services, provides both short-term and long-term inpatient care. Three inpatient units are where many Veterans call home, with dedicated staff from the Kerrville community who answer the call to care for our Nation’s heroes.
When Veterans and visitors walk through the halls, there’s not a stranger in sight. This tight knit community within the facility is like a home-away-from-home, where everyone is welcome and those receiving their care know they are being treated with compassion by fellow Veterans and civilians alike.
“Our dedicated employees are committed to ensuring that our Nation’s Heroes receive the best healthcare possible as we strive to foster a lifelong relationship with Veterans and their families,” Dr. Flynn said. “We are tremendously grateful for the support we continue to receive every day from our community. When we continue working together, we improve services for the health needs of our Veterans and develop proactive approaches to help Veterans and their families.”
It is a true honor to serve Veterans who gave of themselves to protect their country. Kerrville VAMC continues to build upon this milestone to create a legacy that meets the needs of its Veterans – to fulfill President Abraham Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our Nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.
If you are a Veteran or know of a Veteran seeking VA health care services, visit www.southtexas.va.gov to learn more about how South Texas can assist them.