Vets’ Home on the Way to Tyler

TYLER — Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson invites veterans and those who support them to the Nov. 9 dedication of Watkins-Logan-Garrison Texas State Veterans Home in Tyler. A ceremony to dedicate what’s termed a one-of-a-kind long-term care facility will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9 at Watkins-Logan-Garrison Texas State Veterans Home, 11466 Honor Lane, Tyler. Tours of the home will be available after the dedication ceremony. Watkins-Logan-Garrison Texas State Veterans Home is named after three local heroes — two Medal of Honor recipients and a Tuskegee airman. Family members of Travis Earl Watkins, James Marion Logan and Samuel M. Garrison will be on hand to share stories and display treasured memorabilia, including two Medals of Honor.

Watkins-Logan-Garrison Texas State Veterans Home is built on 20 acres donated by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. The donated land is just north of the Health Science Center, along the west side of Highway 155, just south of County Road 334. The home was made possible thanks to a $12 million grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, with the remaining 35 percent paid for by the Texas Veterans Land Board. The new Texas State Veterans Home will join seven others across the state in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, McAllen and Temple. But unlike previous Texas State Veterans Homes, the Smith County home will consist of 10 cottages and one common building. The design approach for each cottage focuses on drawing residents into social connection by mixing the best communal aspects of a home while still maintaining privacy and independence for residents.

Texas State Veterans Homes offer a broad spectrum of health care services, comprehensive rehabilitation programs, special diets, recreational activities, social services, libraries, and certified, secured Alzheimer’s units, each with its own secured outdoor courtyard. For additional information on Texas State Veterans Homes, including eligibility criteria, you can call 1-800-252-VETS (8387). You can also visit the Texas Veterans Land Board website at http://www.texasveterans.com or go to http://www.facebook.com/TXVLB to find information on Facebook.