Today, the North Carolina chapters of the American Legion and Marine Corps League recognized Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) for his work on behalf of Western North Carolina Veterans. McHenry, who repeatedly pushed the Veterans Administration (VA) to expedite construction of a veteran’s healthcare clinic in Hickory, was presented certificates of appreciation from both organizations at his Hickory District Office.

“Because of the understanding that medical care and treatment of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines is a delayed cost of war, members of the military services of North Carolina wish to express their sincere appreciation for the time, effort, and leadership that Congressman McHenry has shown in Washington,” said Mike Mooney of the Marine Corps League.

“I’m honored and humbled to receive this recognition from the American Legion and Marine Corps League,” said Congressman McHenry. “America’s veterans deserve our utmost appreciation and respect for their heroic sacrifices in defense of our nation. Making sure Western North Carolina veterans have the quality care they deserve is a top priority.”

Following numerous official inquiries about the status of a proposed veterans’ healthcare clinic in Hickory, Congressman McHenry brought then-Secretary of the Veterans Administration Jim Nicholson into his Washington, D.C. office to demand a full status report on the project and request that the VA expedite its construction.

Shortly thereafter, the VA announced a two-phased approach for providing Western North Carolina veterans with quality, local healthcare. Phase one, which is scheduled to be completed this August, will bring a 10,000 square foot interim clinic to the Hickory area while a larger, permanent facility is under construction. Phase two of the project – a 20,000 square foot facility capable of providing a range of healthcare services to more than 10,000 local veterans – is slated to be completed by May of 2010.

Seventeen representatives of the American Legion and the Marine Corps League attended this morning’s event, where Donald Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps League, and Richard Neville, Department Commander of the American Legion presented Congressman McHenry with certificates of appreciation from their respective organizations.

More information about the Hickory veterans’ clinic can be found at: /News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=80729

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