Contact: Michael F. Clark

Director, Veterans Services
(315) 798-5830

Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace Jr. and Congressman Sherwood Boehlert joined the Veterans community today for the dedication of the Donald J. Mitchell VA Clinic in the City of Rome.

"I am delighted to be here this morning for the dedication of the Donald J. Mitchell VA Clinic," Eannace said. "This day is one of celebration for the veterans community, the clinic and the entire community. This clinic has served to provide much-needed VA primary care services in a convenient location and thanks to a continuing increase in the number of veterans using the clinic, they were able to achieve growth in both staff and programs with additional expansion to come."

Since 1995, following the closure of Griffiss Air Force Base, the Syracuse VA has been operating this VA Outpatient clinic in Rome at the former base hospital. It provided primary care services to veterans, active duty military and dependents, military retirees, employees of Rome labs and Defense Finance and Accounting Services team.

"Today is more than a historical day for Oneida County Veterans," said VAMC Director, Jim Cody. " It's the renaming of a clinic and the rededication of the mission of this outpatient clinic.

Today, the clinic serves 5,700 veteran men and women, totaling approximately 23 percent of the total number of veterans living in Oneida County.

Boehlert was recognized for his support in expediting the transfer of ownership between the VA and the Department of Defense.