Battle Creek VA Medical Center celebrates 100 years of service

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) — The Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center marked its 100th anniversary of the facility Tuesday afternoon at the VA campus in Battle Creek.

The hospital began in 1923 when several acres of land near Camp Custer were used to build a veteran-specific hospital. A celebration of the history of the medical center included acknowledgements from state and federal legislators, a resource fair for veterans and tours of the campus. Those who spoke talked about the connection between the VA Medical Center, the nearby bases and how this area prepared soldiers for what was to come.

“This all used to be one of the largest training sites that got our service members ready to deploy around the globe. We’re still doing that mission today. And thanks to the VA, you’ve been here 100 years taking care of those service members that have gone and done the nation’s bidding,” said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Terrill with the Michigan National Guard.

Also during the ceremony, Medal of Honor Recipient Jim “Doc” McCloughn was honored with the naming of a street on the VA campus.

The road that runs in front of building one is now known as McCloughan Circle.

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