[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A TRIBUTE TO THE JERRY L. PETTIS MEMORIAL VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL 
                                 CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 1997

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your 
attention the fine work and outstanding public service of the Jerry L. 
Pettis Memorial Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Loma Linda, CA. As 
the chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee that provides 
funding for veterans programs, including veterans medical care, I am 
especially proud of this facility at this historic moment. On Thursday, 
September 25, this fine facility will celebrate 20 years of service to 
veterans who live and work in southern California. My dear friend and 
predecessor in Congress, Shirley Pettis Roberson, will address those 
attending this very special ceremony at the medical center.
  In June 1974, a large crowd gathered for the ground breaking to begin 
construction of this facility. The first patient was admitted in 
December 1977, realizing a dream and long-term goal of former 
Congressman Jerry Pettis. Jerry Pettis was a good man and a close 
personal friend. Today, his legacy lives on through the commitment and 
fine work of the men and women who strive to serve our veterans with 
great care and respect. Jerry Pettis would certainly be proud of this 
fine institution and the many worthy people it serves.
  The Pettis VA Medical Center has 125 acute care beds and 106 nursing 
home beds. With a budget of approximately $109 million, over 600 
volunteers, and over 1,200 employees, the facility last year alone, had 
over 6,500 admissions and over 230,000 outpatient visits. Working 
closely with Loma Linda University in many areas of clinical research 
and study, the medical center continues to conduct critical work in a 
variety of scientific disciplines.
  In addition, the Pettis VA Medical Center has vigorously explored 
ways of providing the best possible service to the more than 290,000 
veterans in Riverside County and San Bernardino County. The recently 
opened Victorville outpatient clinic, for example, has greatly improved 
access to primary care for thousands of veterans in California's high 
desert region.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and our colleagues in paying 
special tribute to the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center on 
its 20th anniversary. All of us owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to 
our veterans, and we also owe a special thanks to the memory of our 
good friend and former colleague, for whom this facility is named. To 
both Jerry Pettis, and our veterans, Congress thanks you--and salutes 
you--on this historic day.

                          ____________________