VA clinic on post celebrates opening of new clinic in time for Veterans Day

By Eric PilgrimNovember 10, 2020

VA clinic on post officially opens in time for Veterans Day
Leaders from Ireland Army Health Clinic, Fort Knox Garrison, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Veterans Administration cut the ribbon on the new Fort Knox Community Based Outpatient Clinic. Situated across the street from Ireland, the clinic has already begun taking patients. (Photo Credit: Renee Rhodes, Fort Knox Visual Information) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Veterans at or near Fort Knox now have a place to go on post for medical care.

With the snip of a red ribbon, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic recognized the opening of its new facility on Nov. 10.

“Veterans in this area can now rest assured that they will be able to receive the highest level of care, efficient quality health care within their own community well into the future,” said Stephen Black, director of the Robley Rex VA Medical Center.

Officials from the Louisville center along with Fort Knox officials decided to keep attendance at the grand opening small due to COVID-19 concerns and host a mostly virtual ceremony.

VA clinic on post officially opens in time for Veterans Day
Cynthia Breyfogle, network director for the VA MidSouth Healthcare Network, speaks to a small group gathered at the new Fort Knox Community Based Outpatient Clinic. She said her favorite thing is to open the doors to new facilities so veterans can receive quality health care. (Photo Credit: Eric Pilgrim, Fort Knox News) VIEW ORIGINAL

Those speaking at the ceremony included Cynthia Breyfogle, network director for the VA MidSouth Healthcare Network.

“I remember well being at this very spot. I was just looking at my photographs and it was December 11th of 2018 for the groundbreaking,” said Breyfogle. “It was different weather that day to say the least — it was very cold.”

Breyfogle said while she enjoys breaking ground on new facilities, getting to open the doors and serve veterans is her passion.

“Veterans residing in the area can now rest assured that they have a state-of-the-art healthcare facility for many, many years to come,” said Breyfogle.

VA clinic on post officially opens in time for Veterans Day
Several government officials spoke at the ceremony, either in person, through a letter or in the case of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, via prerecorded video. (Photo Credit: Eric Pilgrim, Fort Knox News) VIEW ORIGINAL

Government officials also spoke during the ceremony, either in person, through letters read aloud or in prerecorded video messages. They included a representative from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.

One of the last to speak, Fort Knox Garrison deputy Emmett Holley said the completion of the VA clinic right before Veterans Day speaks volumes about the nation’s commitment to honor Soldiers throughout their lives.

VA clinic on post officially opens in time for Veterans Day
Emmett Holley, Fort Knox Garrison deputy, shares a personal story that highlights how much the clinic will mean to veterans for years to come. He explained how with the inclusion of the clinic, Soldiers have the comfort of being taken care of from the first day they join the military until the day they die. (Photo Credit: Eric Pilgrim, Fort Knox News) VIEW ORIGINAL

“I am ecstatic!” said Holley. “I view the opening of this facility as a part of our country’s commitment to honoring our veterans. In large measure, this facility is part of a total package that we at Fort Knox feel we offer to our veterans in this community.”

Holley said the opening of the clinic is also personal to him.

“We have a 94-year-old veteran who receives care at this facility. He called here not too long ago and said, ‘Hey, Emmett, I want to make sure I can still get my care out here,’” said Holley. “I said, ‘Coy, you’re going to be able to taken care of; don’t worry.’ Here’s a World War II veteran that’s excited about continuing to get care at this facility.

“I want to thank our country for honoring its commitment to our veterans.”