VA administrator asks Navy to use old facility

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - While island veterans wait on the official grand opening of the new veterans clinic in Agana Heights, there's concerns that the new facility is too small. The 6,000- square foot facility has already opened, but Guam Veterans Affairs Office administrator John Unpingco says with the number of veterans on the island the space may not be adequate.

Unpingco has written letters to three U.S. senators hoping that a portion of the current Naval Hospital facility can be kept for veterans. "It's been very well maintained," Unpingco explained. "It's such a shame to tear down a piece of Guam history and so that's the pitch I'm making. We need it. We can use the building. You can tear down some of it but for God's sakes save some of it for us to have as a veterans medical center."

Unpingco is still waiting for feedback on his letters and says his hope is that once the new Naval Hospital is built, a portion of the old building can be used as a veterans hospital and a home for homeless veterans.