REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS HELPS TO SECURE FED FUNDING FOR BRADLEY COUNTY VETERANS HOME

COMMENDS AREA OFFICIALS, VOLUNTEERS WHOSE YEARS-LONG EFFORT PAYS OFF

CLEVELAND, TN --  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a State Veterans Home Grant to Tennessee, allowing construction of a new veterans home in Bradley County to move forward. The $26 million federal grant will complement existing funding from the state, local municipalities and private donors, who have been planning a home in Cleveland for years.

    However, without a clear explanation, the VA rankings system placed their request for help below others from around the country. Throughout the process, Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., has been a steadfast supporter of the Southeast Tennessee Veterans Home Council, Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland, Bradley County commissioners, and state legislators, all of them working together to produce a favorable result, he said.

    “Tennesseans held up our end of the bargain. We gathered  our required share of funding and kept pressure on the VA, which finally made the right decision,” said Rep. DesJarlais (TN04). “We wish it had happened sooner, but this is good news for our constituents, a large portion of whom are U.S. military veterans. There will be over 100 beds in a modern facility for those who need long-term care.”  

    Rep. DesJarlais is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, as well as the Agriculture Committee, overseeing military and rural health programs. “Brave men and women defend our country abroad, returning home to their families and friends in Tennessee. These patriots, who sustain physical and mental scars in battle, should receive the best care possible, as close as possible to their loved ones” he said.

    “I’m proud to represent them and their caretakers in Congress.”  

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