The Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital

This was a rare treat today:  All three National Chair Officers converged in San Antonio Texas for several days of visits and meetings!  Doc, Hal, and I, along with Texas State Commander Keith, visited the VA hospital complex today.  We met with the Medical Center Director and the entire Executive Staff, to include Directors for Nursing, Patient Care, Facilities, and Public Affairs to name only a few!

After an in-depth briefing and very good discussions, we were taken on a tour of the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center and the Community Living Center.  I was very impressed with not just the top level executives, but the genuine caring attitude of all the employees we met throughout the day.  These people WANT to serve; they WANT to make things better; they WANT the best for our veterans!

The VA Polytrauma Center is one of only five in the nation.  It was purpose built about nine years ago specifically to assist with our severely injured troops at the height of the current wars.  Due to it's modern and up-to-date facilities it housed and treated active duty members on the road to their recovery.  It continues to treat service members and veterans, while attracting the best medical care providers from around the country.

The Community Living Center is a Five Star center and continually receives the highest marks among all Centers in the VA system.  Once again, the caring staff makes the difference.  I saw a sign on the wall that said "These residents do not live where you work.  You work where they live."  That shows the mindset of all the staff.  Sadly, this facility is old and showing its age.  The care is still top notch but they need a new facility.  It's up to all of us to continue to pressure the VA and the government to provide the funds for modern facilities for our warriors of the past.

The Campus itself is named after famed World War II hero, Audie Murphy (1925-1971).  Audie was a Medal of Honor Recipient and after the war had a successful movie career.  The movie based on his life story, in which he also starred [!] is "To Hell and Back".  I encourage any who have not seen this to do so.  What an amazing man and what character.  Interestingly, it was on this day 75 years ago that Audie's combat heroism put him in the hallowed ranks of those who have worn the Medal of Honor!  There is an eight foot bronze statue in the circle at the entrance of this facility showing Audie in battle gear, encouraging his fellow soldiers to move forward.