[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 11, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S888-S889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA MOBILE HEALTH CLINIC

 Mr. MANCHIN. Madam President, today I wish to celebrate an 
exciting and significant victory for local veterans in southern West 
Virginia and to recognize the unwavering dedication of the people who 
have worked tirelessly to bring the first-ever mobile veterans health 
clinic to Mercer County.
  Today, the Beckley VA Medical Center will debut the long-awaited 
mobile health clinic in Bluefield, WV. This facility will improve 
access to primary and mental health-care to the growing number of 
veterans in the region.
  This is wonderful news for our brave heroes who have been without 
accessible health care for far too long. Until now, our veterans' only 
option for receiving health care has been to drive over an hour to the 
closest clinic or hospital. Expecting our veterans to commute this far 
after these courageous men and women have already risked their lives in 
the defense of this country is simply unacceptable.
  I have always said that West Virginia is one of the most patriotic 
states in this great Nation, and we are so proud of the number of 
veterans and Active-Duty members who have served with honor and 
distinction. Upon returning home, they truly deserve the absolute best 
care and treatment that is available. That is why we have made it our 
top priority to bring this clinic to serve the veterans in Mercer 
County and the surrounding communities with quality care.
  The mobile health clinic will be an extension of the Beckley VA 
Medical Center, and it will be initially stationed in Bluefield, WV. As 
long it is utilized by area veterans, we can count on this facility to 
stay in southern West Virginia for years to come.
  I especially want to emphasize the efforts of one very special West 
Virginian who has dedicated the past 18 years to helping the veterans 
of southern West Virginia--Al Hancock. His leadership and commitment to 
the betterment of the veteran community is truly why this mobile clinic 
will open its doors today.
  Throughout his life and still today, Al has answered the call of 
service--whether it was serving our great Nation or helping the people 
of West Virginia. He is a retired teacher and a retired Air Force 
veteran who served two tours in Vietnam.
  A proud and passionate leader, he was the chairman of the retired 
military support group and he led discussions among over 250 veterans 
about the issues concerning them most. He talked with fellow veterans, 
their spouses, and their families regularly.
  One issue that continued to arise was the need for more accessible 
health care. After more than 150 letters sent to the local newspaper 
and issuing a petition containing more than 3,000 resident signatures, 
he provided a voice to the veteran community. Despite the many 
obstacles and hurdles, Al never gave up--he worked passionately and 
tirelessly to bring this issue to light. And finally, that voice 
resonated loud and clear. Because of Al's perseverance and determined 
vision, I am proud to have worked closely with Al to help bring people 
together to make his vision a reality.
  With the hard work and partnership of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs, the Beckley VA, and the West Virginia delegation, we have been 
able to make a difference for Al and for all of the veterans who reside 
throughout southern West Virginia.
  We owe our veterans more than a debt of gratitude. Showing our 
appreciation to the brave men and women who have served is something we 
should do each and every day. By delivering this mobile health clinic, 
we are

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paying tribute to those who have answered America's call of duty.
  I thank Al, the VA, the Beckley VA Center, and all those who have 
worked to bring this much needed health care access to Mercer County.
  This clinic will greatly benefit communities that have a need for 
health care resources, and it will help ensure all of our veterans and 
their families have access to the care they need and truly 
deserve.

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