Farmington VA Clinic Open House

Donna Hickman / Daily Journal John and Geneva Haverstick ask questions of clerk Shannon Strothmann at the VA Clinic as veterans and their families tour the new facility at an open house Friday.

“An everlasting tribute to those who served.”

That's what Chaplain Don Alexander called the new Veterans Administration Clinic as he prayed at its open house Friday at 1580 W. Columbia Street in Farmington.

The clinic, in the works for a number of years, opened its doors in August, offering more space to serve more veterans than the old clinic on Maple Valley Drive.

“You've gone from 400 patients in 1999 to the over 2,000 you serve today,” said Dr. Peter Almenoff, Director, VA Heartland Network, in remarks to the veterans.

The staff has grown, too, with two doctors, a registered nurse and two LPNs to serve veterans and another registered nurse will be added.

“This has been the greatest thing,” said Chet Sloan, Farmington veteran. “It's just wonderful to have all these services here for the veterans.”

A new service begins Nov. 15 when the first Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Support Group meets at 10 a.m. Veterans who wish to take part in the support group should contact the clinic to be referred.

Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau told the veterans, “The service you gave absolutely requires the commitment of the government back to you.” She praised veteran Bob Silvey who spear-headed the project for a newer, bigger clinic and for his vision and his tireless commitment to working for veterans.

The state of Missouri leased the land next to American Legion Post 416 and the Legion obtained the loans to build it. Now, the Legion is in the process of raising the funds to pay them off.

“So far, we've raised $22,000,” explained Ken Kelly, Post Commander. “That's a long way from the $480,000 we have to raise. We're seeking support from the seven counties we serve.”

Kelly said all those who donate will be named on a plaque to be displayed at the clinic. To make a donation, contact Kelly at (573) 760-0528.

About 2,300 veterans from those seven counties obtain medical help through the VA Clinic, which is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Services are available to veterans who were honorably discharged. To find out more about eligibility, go to the Web site: http://www.va.gov.

Veterans who have just completed active duty automatically qualify for free medical care for the next two years, regardless of income.