BRADLEY COUNTY VETERANS HOME GROUND-BREAKING AN "HISTORIC MOMENT" SAYS ATTENDEE REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS

CLEVELAND --  Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., calling it an “historic moment” in Cleveland, Bradley County, spoke at the ground-breaking of the new Bradley County Tennessee State Veterans Home today. The modern facility, scheduled for completion in approximately two years, has been sixteen years in the making. It will house more than 100 veterans in need of long-term care.

    In his speech to a large crowd, Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04), credited the hard work of many Tennesseans, who donated time, money and land to the project. His congressional office worked with the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C., to raise the profile of the project and gain federal financing.  State and local sources raised $17 million of the total $47 million required to complete construction.

    “We’re fulfilling our obligation to those who fought and sacrificed to allow the rest of us to live in freedom in the Greatest Nation on Earth. This veterans home is a powerful symbol of the progress our state and country can make, when we unite as one,” said Rep. DesJarlais.

    He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and strong supporter of laws to reform VA health care and other services. In addition to his work for the Bradley County Tennessee State Veterans Home, Rep. DesJarlais has voted for a number bills to reduce veterans’ wait times at VA facilities, increase access to private care, promote in-home care, reduce opioid abuse, and to create economic opportunities for more veterans.

    The Congressman is also working to ensure active-duty troops have the resources they need to protect the United States.

    The Volunteer State has a relatively high percentage of Armed Services personnel and veterans, he explained. “The Volunteer State has always heeded the call, when our fellow citizens have needed assistance,” said Rep. DesJarlais. “Our state is home to some of the most advanced military research and testing facilities, and it will soon be home to a state-of-the-art veterans facility. I couldn’t be more proud to represent the people of Tennessee’s Fourth District in Congress.”

    This week, Rep. DesJarlais has visited Tennessee cattle and horse farms, manufacturing centers, and health care providers, as part of his district tour.  

###