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Thousands of Veterans in the Lake Country region west of Milwaukee can soon get their care closer to home with the coming of the new Oconomowoc VA Outpatient Clinic. During a ribbon-cutting

ceremony Friday, the new 8,500-square-foot facility at 1289 Olympia Fields Drive was praised for bringing world-class health care to some 5,500 eligible Veterans in the area. “Our staff is

all about doing the right thing for Veterans, and that’s why we’re here — because it’s the right thing to do,” said Jim McLain, executive director of the Milwaukee VA.  “Our dedication is to

serving our Veterans — those who stand up and serve and defend our country,” he said. “We’re able to sleep at night and feel safe because of the individuals who are standing watch in

foreign lands. And we’re here to ensure that when they come back, they’re cared for. Our mission never ends.” James Bond, secretary-designee for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

— and a U.S. Marine Veteran who receives health care through VA —also lauded the clinic for its service to Veterans. “The new Oconomowoc clinic will make a difference in the lives of

Veterans and their families,” Bond said, noting that “thousands of our Veterans rely upon the VA’s high-quality health care.” “We stand with the VA as they serve Veterans’ physical health

needs … and save lives every day with their mental health and therapeutic services.” The Oconomowoc clinic becomes the fifth community-based outpatient clinic under the Milwaukee VA

umbrella, along with clinics in Green Bay, Appleton, Cleveland and Union Grove. McLain said the clinic fills a need for Veterans living between VA hospitals in Madison and Milwaukee. It is

located just north of I-94 in the Olympia Fields development, which continues to grow with new housing, retail and health care outlets. Ground was broken for the clinic in May, and McLain

said it was one of the fastest VA clinic openings in the country. Local leaders also applauded the speedy development, brought about by public and private entities working together to meet

the needs of Veterans. “There’s palpable excitement here for Veterans in the area, and I applaud everybody for getting this done, from the city to the builders and designers and to the VA,”

said state Sen. John Jagler. “What a fantastic asset that will do so much good for so many.” “That’s what it takes — collaboration,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. “I appreciate

all the hard work and am looking forward to the services that are going to be here.” Oconomowoc Mayor Robert Magnus said the clinic’s development “really exceeded all of our expectations.

This is a very special day for everyone.” The project began about two years ago, headed by developer Wangard Partners. PRA (Plunkett Raysich Architects LLP) was the architect and

Kraus-Anderson Construction Company served as the construction manager on the project. After the ribbon cutting, attendees enjoyed celebratory cake and were able to tour the facility.

Vietnam War Veteran Vern Larson, who lives in the Oconomowoc area, said he was glad to have his health care closer to home. “It’s so convenient. It’s bringing the services to the Veterans

who live here,” he said. “It’s really wonderful.” State Rep. Barbara Dittrich echoed those sentiments. “We stand on the shoulders of those who fought for our freedoms in this nation and this

state,” she said. “So (for Veterans) to receive care closer to home is absolutely phenomenal.” Flickr Album of the event available:

www.flickr.com/photos/milwaukeeva/albums/72177720315329424