Salem VA Center Celebrates 75th Birthday

Veterans hold flags during ceremony on VA Center ballfield.
Veterans hold flags during ceremony on VA Center ballfield.

The color guard stood at attention and hand-held flags dotted the audience on Monday, Oct. 19 as the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Salem Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) commenced, a scene similar to when President Franklin Roosevelt dedicated the hospital on October 19, 1934.   Speakers hailed the VAMC as a facility that has served those who served this country – and will continue to do so for the next 75 years.

The Veterans Administration originally chose the Roanoke Valley to build the medical center because of its convenience to transportation and utilities.  Construction started on January 16, 1934 and unemployed workers were given preference in the job line.  The facility cost $1,750,00 to build at the time and employed up to 500 people. It had 472 operating beds.

Patients at the hospital tended a working cattle and hog farm on site as part of their therapy.  The clinical side of the VA Center was touted as one of the most modern hospital designs; it included a pharmacy, x-ray suites, a lab, dental office, etc.  The hospital also had a movie theater in the recreation area and a large dining hall.

Today the VAMC provides psychiatric care, also offering medical and surgical services for southwestern Virginia veterans.  Approximately 34,000 veterans have been seen in the medical facility to date in 2009, with an average of 350,000 visits total.  The Salem VA Center is also a teaching hospital for the University of Virginia.

SFC (Sgt. First Class) Ambrose and SFC Jones arrived from Fort Bragg, NC early Monday morning. “We came down to watch the ceremony and visit with the veterans in the hospital afterwards,” noted Jones.  There were many active duty and retired veterans at the ceremony, to commemorate one of the true benefits of serving in the Armed Forces – free medical care at VA Centers.

Speakers included 6th District Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Salem Mayor Randy Foley, Roanoke City Mayor David Bowers, John Patrick (Salem VAMC Director) and Dr. Robert Petzel, the Veterans Health Administration Acting Deputy under the Secretary of Health. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of the employees of the Salem VA Medical Center,” said Patrick. “I believe this workforce carries out in the most exemplary manner President Lincoln’s initial charge ‘to care for them who have borne the battle’.”

One veteran said they have never had to wait more than 20 minutes for an appointment at the VA Center, where medical files and test results are digitally kept so that all clinics have access to information. “When I was hospitalized for 10 days a few years ago, I received the best nursing care that I have ever experienced – even the food was good,” said the veteran.  The hospital was a recipient of the 2009 Office of Nursing Innovations Award.

Governor Tim Kaine sent a note: “It is important to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of our Armed Forces…[and] I also want to send my sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, administrators, and staff associated with the Salem VA Medical Center.” Colors were ceremoniously retired on the field at the conclusion of the 75th Anniversary Celebration for the Salem VAMC.

By Alice Shook
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