Health Center Named After Astronaut

Health Center Named After Astronaut
Navy News | Judy R. Lazarus | October 11, 2007


Great Lakes, MN. -- Former astronaut and retired Capt. James A. Lovell was recognized Oct. 5 when the joint DoD/Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital was named in his honor at a special ceremony on VA grounds.

Participating in the event was Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson Jr.; Department of Veterans Affairs Acting Secretary Gordon Mansfield; U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk; Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes Commanding Officer Capt. Thomas McGue; Medical Center Director Patrick L. Sullivan; and Actor/Director Gary Sinise.

A room packed with Navy military personnel, veterans, family members, and hospital staff listened as Lovell express his appreciation and gratitude for having his name associated with the first-of-its-kind military hospital.

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The James A. Lovell VA-DoD Federal Health Care Facility is expected to serve an estimated 100,000 veterans, active-duty personnel, and family members annually after its completion in 2010.

Kirk, a longtime supporter of the facility, thanked "all those who saved this veteran's hospital." The VA medical center was considered for closure several years ago.

He declared that, "We were working with the and the Navy to find a name that would inspire veterans and also kids. We believe that James Lovell is a living inspiration for Americans."


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,152429,00.html