DAYTON, OHIO – Today, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) hosted Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12) at the Dayton VA. On this visit, Chairman Bost was able to see the state-of-the-art facilities and gain a better understanding of veterans needs in Southwest Ohio. The members received briefings from senior VA leadership and toured multiple facilities such as the Medical Center and St. Mary's Properties. Following the visit, the two held a joint press conference to discuss the day.
“What’s great about showing Chairman Bost the health center is that we have incredible quality care here,” said Congressman Mike Turner. “The community works diligently with the VA, and they have great support throughout the community. We were also able to show him the plans for the VA History Center. This community has been awarded the future archives for the VA history. We went to see their efforts at attempting to assemble records for the archives.”
“What you have here in Dayton is an excellent VA,” said Chairman Mike Bost. “It is already moving forward to make sure that they provide the quality care for our veterans which they've earned and they deserve. You also have a congressman that's willing to go to the wire to fight for everything with this VA and the little surrounding community.”
Background:
The Dayton VA Medical Center is committed to providing the highest quality of care to our nation’s veterans and their families every day. In recent years, this facility has served the healthcare needs of over 40,000 veterans.
The VA History Center collects and preserves the department’s deep historical roots. They work to enable the Department of Veteran’s Affairs to document the special relationship between the nation and our veterans. Their promotion generates a better understanding and study of the relationship between the US and its veterans through the care of wounds, benefits bestowed, the contributions of veterans to society after serving, and the honors bestowed after their passing. The History Center is developing into a world class museum preserving our nation’s history all the way back to the Revolutionary War.
The St. Mary’s properties provide our nation’s veterans with affordable housing that includes walking trails and gardens along the VA campus. The property has 65 units for seniors above 55 years of age by giving them an accessible place to live. Congressman Turner works closely with the St. Mary Development Corporation to secure affordable housing projects for our veterans. Congressman Turner assisted with the Lyons Place II in 2014. Following this project, St. Mary Development Corporation reached out to Congressman Turner for assistance with the development of the McBride Place in 2018. It was during this time he worked with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to make sure that the project was completed in a timely manner. In the past two years, the organization has expanded their facilities to continue serving the community. Congressman Turner remains committed to curbing the veteran homeless crisis. In 2021, Congressman Turner secured $456,500 that will support the basic operations for the group.
Congressman Turner's office assists more than 200 veterans annually, helping them clear up red tape with their healthcare and disability benefits, and obtaining records pertaining to their VA claims and military service.