Kerrville VA celebrating 100 years of providing 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 VA gained ownership of the main facility in the area.

Now known as Kerrville VA, this historic haven is a place where Veterans not only receive their health care but also spend quality time with others who share the same passion for their country and for one another.

On April 12, Veterans, South Texas VA leaders and staff, local and state officials, and key community stakeholders gathered to honor the 100th anniversary of Kerrville VA.

An open blue sky gave way to a beautifully lit ceremony in front of the main entrance of the facility, setting the stage for a special celebration for South Texans.

"For 100 years it has been dedicated to caring for Veterans."

"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. "Not only has this facility provided health care for the last 100 years, it has always been dedicated to caring for this country's Veterans."

In 1919, the Kerr County community witnessed the need for care of its World War I Veterans and began constructing the facility now known as Kerrville VA on 790 acres of land donated by Louis and A.C. Schreiner. Today, renovations are underway to expand access to care not only for our Veterans of former wars but those who have yet to come home.

In March 1995, Kerrville VA merged with Audie L. Murphy VA in San Antonio to form South Texas VA. 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.

The centennial ceremony highlighted the significance of all in attendance and provided an opportunity for viewing of historical items, memorable moments captured in still images and an emotional video that included interviews with longtime Kerrville VA employees.

"Memories will stay with me forever."

"Through the years, I have had a lot of memories and they will stay with me forever, especially those one-on-one moments with Veterans that you bond with," said Terry Garza, patient advocate at Kerrville VA. Garza has been employed at Kerrville VA for 36 years.

Kerrville VA currently serves approximately 10,000 unique Veterans and 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 Veterans.

It is an honor to serve Veterans who gave of themselves to protect their country. Kerrville VA continues to build upon this milestone to create a legacy that meets the needs of its Veterans and 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.

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