The Department of Veterans Affairs' Pacific Islands Health Care System hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in Agana Heights this morning for the new VA community-based outpatient clinic.  James Matanane told KUAM News, "It's high time that they build this clinic. We've been waiting for so many years and it would help the veterans on Guam and in the region."

 

As president of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Matanane, along with many other veterans, says the building of a new clinic has been a long time coming. Today a ceremony was held to break ground on the $4.5 million construction project.  

 

President of Reliable Builders Jong Kim says his company will provide better access for veterans, saying, "The project will improve the construction of an entry road, a parking lot, a service area and the clinic building to provide veterans with first-class care and services."

 

The late former legislative speaker Tony Unpingco was one of several other individuals who fought hard for our veterans.  In fact, he was the one who pushed for a new clinic to be built in order for these individuals to receive the much needed healthcare they deserve.  VA Pacific Islands Health Care System director Dr. James Hastings recognized Unpingco for his push to open a clinic on Guam. 

 

He also noted that there was a need to expand services to our veterans.  He said, "Our veteran population here on Guam totals just under 10,000, and with our current war efforts and our current patriotism from the people of Guam in joining and supporting our military, we continue to generate new veterans at a significant rate. These numbers mandate significant presence with the veteran's health administration here on Guam."

 

Officials expect the VA clinic to be completed by December.