VA celebrates new clinic in WP

Dozens of veterans, health care providers and community leaders gathered March 13 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house to celebrate the new John J. Pershing Veterans Affairs clinic in West Plains. Located at 1418 Doctors Drive, the newly constructed facility expands access to essential medical services for area veterans, replacing the former clinic on K Highway. The West Plains VA clinic has grown significantly since its inception in 1991, when health care was delivered from a bus parked at the American Legion Hall. The celebration featured remarks from VA Medical Center Director Kevin Bass and the presentation of a tactile Braille American flag — featuring raised stars and stripes alongside the Pledge of Allegiance — by blind U.S. Coast Guard veteran James Dunn. Local officials in attendance included West Plains Mayor and U.S. Navy veteran Mike Topliff, state Rep. Lisa Durnell and state Sen. Brad Hudson.