Gov. Terry McAuliffe (right) meets with members of the Robert E Lee High School Chorus at the opening of the new veterans services office in Springfield on Feb. 22. Photo courtesy of Mark Mogle
Gov. Terry McAuliffe was on hand to open the new Virginia Department of Veterans Services Benefits office in Springfield on Feb. 22.
The new office is located at 6564 Loisdale Court and replaces the VDVS Alexandria office.
McAuliffe said one in 10 Virginians are veterans — the fastest-growing population of vets nationwide — and that it’s his goal to make Virginia the most vet-friendly state in America.
“It is our responsibility to give back to those who served our country,” McAuliffe said in a statement. “From benefit and transition assistance to behavioral health care coordination services, this office truly aims to provide resources to our veterans every step of the way. I am proud to cut the ribbon on the 26th veterans benefits office in the Commonwealth and continue our commitment to making Virginia the best place on earth for veterans and their families to live.”
McAuliffe was joined by leaders including Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield).
In addition to the new office, Virginia is also planning to break ground on the 120-bed Puller Veterans Care Center in Fauquier County before the end of 2017. The Puller Center, named for former Virginia state Sen. Toddy Puller who represented the 36th district, will offer in-patient skilled nursing care, Alzheimer’s/memory care and short-term rehabilitative care for veterans.
Other services offices are expected to open in Prince William and Loudoun Counties this spring, and another in Williamsburg in the summer.