Printer Friendly Page
TEXAS CITY WILL GIVE 23 ACRES OF LAND TO THE VA
IF
THEY WILL BUILD HOSPITAL -- La Feria mayor says
a veterans'
hospital should be built in south Texas. Now,
it's up to the VA.
Story here...
http://www.team4news.
com/Global/story.asp?S=6
785050&nav=0w0v
Story below:
-------------------------
La Feria Makes Generous Offer to Vets
Many valley soldiers constantly travel to San Antonio for medical care,
a financial burden on the soldiers and the families as well.
But that trip may soon be cut short all thanks to the generosity of the
city of La Feria.
Ruben Cordova knows the path to San Antonio like the palm of his hand.
He's traveled more than 350 miles to the veterans hospital there for
more than 7 years.
"It's pretty difficult. Sometimes its hard to get somebody to go with me
because some of the procedures are invasive. Always have to have someone
drive me up there and back."
Cordova retired from the US Navy after 20 years of service. His injuries
left him 90 percent disabled and in constant need of medical care.
He's had more than six surgeries on his arm, leg and shoulder and more
surgeries are to come.
That means traveling to San Antonio every three to four months which
costs him and his family about $200 each trip.
"Two tankfulls, that's about a 100 then food that's another 10 dollars,
Limit it to just one meal cause it gets pretty expensive."
But, that financial burden may soon end for valley vets!
Action 4 News is learning the city of La Feria is taking action by
donating 23 acres of land for the federal government to build a VA
Hospital.
"We felt that we need to take the initiative and put it on the table so
that whoever is working on the project will have something better to
offer if that's what helps move forward rather than just talk about it."
La Feria city manager Sunny Philips says they are not just talking! The
offer is on the table!
Philips says the land is located south of town. It's accessible from 281
and Expressway 83.
Mayor Steven Brewer says many vets have fought for our freedom so it's
time we and the Department of Veterans Affairs take a stand and fight
for adequate health care.
"We are in support of the Rio Grande Valley we think the VA Hospital
needs to be in south Texas."
"If we believe in the country's freedom and the sacrifice of the
veterans we need to support it and therefore the city has made this
offer."
the city manager and mayor says they've done everything on their part,
now they just wait. Optimistic that the valley will soon see their very
own VA Hospital.
The city mayor also tells us that if the government agrees to build
this, it will be tax exempt. Costing the valley nothing at all.
-------------------------
Larry Scott --
