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12 - WELCOME HOME 2016-2017
The only stipulation of the estate was the
VA would take ownership of the clinic
and staff the facility. When a VA clinic
is considered, the region, state or city ap-
proaches the government for the financial
assistance. The Trinka Davis Veterans
Village was funded by an outside organi-
zation and no government money was in-
volved in the transaction.
“On August 12, 2012, the facility was for-
mally donated to the Veterans Adminis-
tration,” said Gary Bruton, Administrator
of the Trinka Davis Veterans Village. The
village is unique because it has a Commu-
nity Living Center where 39-42 veterans
actually reside in their own private living
quarters separate from the center itself.
They even have their own chef. “The Liv-
ing Center is 56 miles from the Atlanta
VA Medical Center and there are only
three or four locations in the country that
provide living facilities for veterans,” Bru-
ton added. There are four homes that pro-
vide residences for the veterans who actu-
ally name each home as Liberty, Patriot
and Freedom. “The residences are in one
building and a multi-specialty center is in
the other building that provides primary
care, mental health and significant high
volume specialties,” Bruton stated.
The Veterans have responded positively.
When the facility opened their doors,
there was a tremendous response to hav-
ing medical assistance in West Georgia,
including several World War Two Veter-
ans. “This is a 911 complex which means
we have a 24/7/365 village equipped with
medical personnel that can handle most
problems. If not, ambulances and a hos-
pital are nearby. Since the 13-acre parcel
has additional space, the VA is consider-
ing adding another parking deck and an
ambulatory structure which will heighten
our resources immensely,” said Bruton.
“More Veterans from Alabama and other
counties can now obtain medical help at
less cost, not having to make a 110 mile
round trip and a much longer wait some-
where else,” added Bruton.
The benefits from the village include an
educational factor. “We have a School of
Nursing Training site whereby Nursing
Students come The University of West
Georgia, Dental Hygiene students from
West Georgia Technical College, and
even Medical Students from Morehouse,”
Bruton stated. “The jobs that were cre-
ated for local people was another positive
point. There are 220 employees at the
village,” stated Bruton. In addition, The
Veterans have the option of Home Based
Primary Care Services, and two Depart-