CLEARLAKE — Area dignitaries joined Congressman Mike Thompson and representatives of Veterans Affairs Tuesday in celebrating the initiation of construction on the new Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). The facility is expected to be up and running by the fall at 15145 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake.
“Our veterans, whether they were past, currently in our present or will be in our future, have shared their lives and some have given their lives in order that our lives remain free,” Clearlake Mayor Judy Thein said. “Now it is out turn to give back to our veterans.”
The event recognized more than a decade of perseverance by countless individuals, especially Thompson that led to Tuesday”s celebration. Like all of the day”s speakers, Ezra Safdie, associate medical center director, thanked all those involved from individuals to area veterans” groups and Thompson in particular.
“Without (Thompson”s) longtime support and perseverance we would not be standing here as quickly as we are,” Safdie said. “We all kept at it and finally we are standing here today.”
Safdie also recognized the many veterans in attendance. “We thank you for your service and we look forward to serving you with honor,” he said.
Mayor Thein said the occasion was truly a landmark day for veterans in the city and throughout the county. She said that the effort to bring a veterans clinic to the area initiated by Thompson, his representative Brad Onorato and the Clear lake Chamber of Commerce, began about 15 years ago.
“As our journey moved along, we quickly met with many other individuals who were eager to join our quest,” she said. “Our plight encountered many twists and turns throughout the years. We did not falter, but rather together, all of us stayed the course, keeping our eye on the prize, which brings us to where we are now. “
Lake County Veterans Officer Jim Brown extended much appreciation to Thompson recognizing him as a fellow veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart. Brown”s gratitude extended to all those involved. “This is a really fantastic day and long overdue,” Brown said.
Thompson said that Brown was being too modest and mirrored the sentiments he expressed. “Veterans Affairs does great work wherever they go,” Thompson said. “This isn”t an issue whether veterans deserve this; veterans earned this. We need to have a facility where veterans can get their health care. This is good stuff that we”re doing and this community is a big part of that.”
Tuesday”s event was well-attended with guests representing the City of Clearlake, Lake County Board of Supervisors, county staff and numerous veterans, many of which were dressed in their formal uniforms. “I think (this clinic) is going to help a lot of the older veterans a great deal. The significant part of it is they won”t have to travel,” Retired Marine Sgt. Craig Deming, 64, of Clearlake said. “And, I truly believe it will enhance the hospital in San Francisco and take the load off them. It”s really great to see something like this happening here.”
Veterans Affairs plans to continue outreach efforts in order to extend service to all veterans of the area. According to the VA, there are 8,000 veterans residing in Lake County with nearly 3,000 currently enrolled in services. Veterans can apply for VA health care, nursing home, domiciliary or dental benefits by completing VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits. The forms can be obtained by accessing the VA Web site at www.va.gov/1010EZ.htm or by visiting, calling or writing any VA health care facility or veterans benefits office. Forms can also be obtained by calling the VA Health Benefits Service Center, toll free at 877-222-VETS (8387), 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST) Monday through Friday. Additionally, for local support and information, contact a Lake County veteran representative at the Lake County Veterans Service Office, 263-2384.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
