More good news! This could bring more ex and retired military to Springfield as well as jobs
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-07-23/story/va_to_expand_clinic_space_in_jacksonville
It's not Historic Springfield, but I'm always glad to see any improvements towards helping our vets.
While this new facility is located just outside the borders of Historic Springfield, it will have a definite impact on Historic Springfield. I, for one, believe the impact will be a positive one with many new and temporary residents coming in. It will also mean jobs for the residents who work construction as well as increased jobs overall once completed.
Quote from: stephendare on January 24, 2010, 04:26:04 PM
Well TUFSU1.
I guess it was possible after all.
nice try, but a clinic and a hospital are 2 different things!
from what I've heard, the VA Clinic expansion (remember we already have a clinic here) is expected to cost about $40 million....the new Shands Cancer Hospital in Gainesville cost about $400 million.
misunderstanding then...I was only implying that a new hospital would be hard to come by....especially since they're expanding the one in Gainesville.
Quote from: stephendare on January 24, 2010, 08:14:46 PM
well you seemed to have doubted that there would be a clinic expansion on the books, since it had never been any movement on it.
Hopefully, the local veterans (with a little local leadership) can get something big moving.
As a future resident and a current disable veteran, I'm always ready to get involved :) I'm just leaderless :)
Quote from: stephendarehistoric schmistoric. The historic district was always meant to expand a bit anyways.
I don't agree at all, that's why it's referred to as a district, which is a specific area.
My point was that Shands is not part of Historic Springfield, whether you care about it or not, it's still true.
It would be good if the new VA clinic could be built in a pedestrian friendly format. That area could really use anchors that put people on the sidewalks. The more foot traffic stimulated, the more use of the parks and opportunity for infill supporting retail development and services.
We get quite a few people stopping in the thrift store just killing some time before a dr appointment at the hospital. I hope the clinic expansion will do the same thing for us and for all businesses on Main Street.
So friend Stephen, isn't it interesting that the posters on our forum want to argue about the historic district on THIS THREAD?
By the way, how much was that medicine we picked up at Walgreens down by the VA Clinic? Sorry I can't remember who drove us there, was it Steve, Lunican or Thelakelander? Thanks for your help, I was just too ill to recall. Quote from: tufsu1 on January 24, 2010, 07:07:13 PM
Quote from: stephendare on January 24, 2010, 04:26:04 PM
Well TUFSU1.
I guess it was possible after all.
nice try, but a clinic and a hospital are 2 different things!
from what I've heard, the VA Clinic expansion (remember we already have a clinic here) is expected to cost about $40 million....the new Shands Cancer Hospital in Gainesville cost about $400 million.
With more disabled veterans then any other city...
With less Veterans services then any other city...
This is another case of too little - too late!
Exactly TU! To put the size in some prospective, the former IVEYS DEPARTMENT STORE in Regency Square is 110,000 Sq Feet, a full 10,000 square feet larger then the new VA "clinic". For all of the attention the veterans get here in Jacksonville, if we ever hold another war, I'm joining the OTHER side! Can we get COMPLETE Radiology services at the new clinic? We can't get squat now without a 73 mile drive
Can we get COMPLETE Cardio Pulmonary services at the new clinic? We can't get squat now without a 73 mile drive
Can we get COMPLETE dental services at the new clinic? We can't get squat now without a 73 mile drive
Can we get COMPLETE Oncology services at he new clinic? We can't get squat now without a 73 mile drive
Can we get COMPLETE Nuclear medicine services at the new clinic? We can't get squat now without a 73 mile drive
Can we get COMPLETE in and out or overnight surgery at the new clinic? We can't get squat now without a 73 mile drive
Can we get COMPLETE meals at the new clinic? We can't get SQUAT now without a 73 mile drive
Can we get VA PX services at the new clinic? We can't get SQUAT now without a 73 mile drive
Can we get BASIC Emergency Room - stabilizing services at the new clinic? We can't get squat now without a 73 mile driveQuote
(http://www.democraticunderground.com/img/06/1115_vietnam.gif)
I was seventeen when I quit school, the year that I enlisted
I don't recall just why I did, my Mom says I insisted
I had some strange idea then, that Uncle Sam was right
My Mama cried, she signed the card, and I went off to fight.
But I just found out this morning, the Doctor told me so,
They killed me in Vietnam and I didn't even know.
Got off the plane in Vietnam, it didn't look like war
With all I saw, I started wondering, just what we came here for.
Some Officers got drunk at night and cheated on their wives
While those peasants on the other side, were fighting for their lives.
You know the army tried some fancy stuff, to bring them to their knees
Like Agent Orange defoliant, to clear the brush and trees
We'd fly all day above the trails, through clouds of poison spray
But they never said that chemical, would hurt our health today.
But I got the news this morning, the Doctor told me so,
They killed me in Vietnam and I didn't even know.
Well I tried hard to forget that war, like everybody else did
I settled down, got married and I even had some kids
Our children both had birth defects, the Doctors had their doubts
They never said what caused it, but I think I just found out.
Because I just found out this morning, the Doctor told me so,
They killed me in Vietnam and I didn't even know.
The Doctor says I have some time, he was trying to be kind
You know, I've never been a radical, but this has changed my mind
I'd be so proud to hear my sons say "Hell no, we won't go!"
"Because you killed our Dad in Vietnam, and he didn't even know."
This Agent Orange from Vietnam, we carry with us still
It stays inside for years and years, and does its best to kill
You might get cancer of the liver, you might get cancer of the skin
You might get a VA Disability, you might not live to win.
Because I got the news this morning, the Doctor told me so
They killed me in Vietnam and I didn't even know.
They killed me in Vietnam and I didn't even know
OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: Ocklawaha on January 24, 2010, 09:44:00 PMSo friend Stephen, isn't it interesting that the posters on our forum want to argue about the historic district on THIS THREAD?
So why not stop friend Stephen from doing so on your forum. Springfielder simply made a point in saying that Shands or the VA clinic are in the historic springfield district, which is true. There really wasn't the need for anyone to argue that fact, yet that didn't seem to stop him from doing what he does in just about any thread, but you get ticked off because this happens to be something you care about. Guess that's what makes the difference. :-\
So are veterans affairs something you are NOT interested in? It goes a bit deeper then "interest" for me, you see my brother-in-law and myself happen to be living that poem.
Yes, the point was made that the Clinic is in the historic district, and Stephen made the point that the district is expandable... No harm done by either party, and my rant was directed at too little - too late planning that seems endemic of our city. My beef is with the Federal Government that is now beating the breast and saying, "LOOK WHAT WE DID FOR YOU..." I'm saying yeah, thanks bud, you killed me and waited 40 years to offer a Tylenol.
You misunderstand my rant, I simply used the post from FRIEND SPRINGFIELDER and friend STEPHEN to nudge the discussion back to our plight as US Veterans.
OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: samiam on January 24, 2010, 04:12:54 PM
More good news! This could bring more ex and retired military to Springfield as well as jobs
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-07-23/story/va_to_expand_clinic_space_in_jacksonville
I guess there are no artists renderings or depictions yet ready on how it will look?
"HU"
As a military retiree and Veteran I must say that this has the possibility of providing a much needed shot in the arm to the immediate Springfield neighborhood and the downtown core. Vets always relocate or locate close to VA Hospitals, Military Bases, etc., especially the disabled Vets; and, the disabled Vets and retirees make pretty decent money, so, the economic impact of the Vets locating or relocating to Springfield can be tremendous for that area and downtown.
"HU"
Thank you for your service to our country HU! Your points are very valid. I even found the rendering for you:(http://www.joshuatreeadjacent.com/CabinB_BeforeW.jpg)
ANYONE that thinks we are somehow getting ahead with this tiny thing, check out this new announcement:Quote
The Villages OPC - Construction of a 90,000 square foot multi-specialty outpatient clinic began Jun3 2008. The facility will be located at 8900 SE 165th Mulberry Lane, The Villages, Florida 32162 and will replace the existing community based outpatient clinic (CBOC) located at 1950 Laurel Manor Drive, Building 240, The Villages, Florida, Florida 32162. The new clinic will provide a broad range of general and specialized medical, dental, surgical, psychiatric, nursing and ancillary services. Construction is expected to be complete in early 2010.
OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: Ocklawaha on January 25, 2010, 10:58:44 AM
Thank you for your service to our country HU! Your points are very valid. I even found the rendering for you:
(http://www.joshuatreeadjacent.com/CabinB_BeforeW.jpg)
ANYONE that thinks we are somehow getting ahead with this tiny thing, check out this new announcement:
Quote
The Villages OPC - Construction of a 90,000 square foot multi-specialty outpatient clinic began Jun3 2008. The facility will be located at 8900 SE 165th Mulberry Lane, The Villages, Florida 32162 and will replace the existing community based outpatient clinic (CBOC) located at 1950 Laurel Manor Drive, Building 240, The Villages, Florida, Florida 32162. The new clinic will provide a broad range of general and specialized medical, dental, surgical, psychiatric, nursing and ancillary services. Construction is expected to be complete in early 2010.
OCKLAWAHA
LOL, that's very, very funny. You're right, we'd never be able to operate out of that thing.
"HU
P.S. - and oh "Ock," you're welcome. It was my pleasure to serve my country for 20 years; many in America and this forum don't realize what we went through and the sacrifices we made so that we could "bash" each other in this forum and speak our minds.
"HU"
Thanks HU. I wonder how many folks on this forum would fight for more from the VA? Do they realize the VA is tied to the University of Florida Medical School... AND... Shand's is tied to the University of Florida Medical School. Does it take brain surgeons to figure out what this could become for Jacksonville and Springfield, if we'd just quit settling for mediocrity?
OCKLAWAHA
Two points:
Ock - I wish this city would do SOMETHING that wasn't half-assed. Sadly it seems par for the course.
HU - I also wish that ALL disabled vets who honorably served fell into the "make pretty decent money" income level but again sadly it just isn't so. Of all the people who deserve the best retirement and healthcare plans. I say < to congress and > to our vets.
Yes a full VA hospital would be nice but at least this is a start. What we need to do is find out how many veterans and retired military are residing in Jacksonville compaired to areas that already have VA hospitals and let our congressman know
samiam USCG ret, U.S. Army 5 years, U.S. Coast Guard 20 Years 6 months
Im confused. I was under the belief that a whole new VA facility was being built just south of Darnell Cookman/Twin towers area. That was the reason they demoed all of those houses (including Dr Schells)
I thought it was like 800,000 Sq ft facility or some such, not just an expansion of the existing facility.
Lake, didnt you have the site plans for the VA clinic?
My father was USN in WWII, my brother was USAF and served 2 years in Vietnam...he's just recently been given 100% disability for what happened to him there....not to overlook that my sister-in-law was also USAF. I am a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders and many of my dear friends are vets...so trust me, I am all for supporting them, for fighting for better treatment, for better services...you name it, if it's for our vets, you can count me in. I know all too well, what serving our country means, and it rips my heart out that this country doesn't see fit to take care of those who have served.
Quote from: Springfielder on January 25, 2010, 03:47:13 PM
My father was USN in WWII, my brother was USAF and served 2 years in Vietnam...he's just recently been given 100% disability for what happened to him there....not to overlook that my sister-in-law was also USAF. I am a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders and many of my dear friends are vets...so trust me, I am all for supporting them, for fighting for better treatment, for better services...you name it, if it's for our vets, you can count me in. I know all too well, what serving our country means, and it rips my heart out that this country doesn't see fit to take care of those who have served.
I served 25 years, My father served 22 years, Navy, Army air corp and Air force, WWII, Berlin air lift, Korea and Vietnam. My grand father served in WWI and my great grandfather served in the Civil war. I am 4th generation military. I live in a historic house because I feel a link to the past due to my military heritage. I agree with you 100% Springfielder
Have any of you thought about starting a Springfield veterans group or association. I think we need to
Quote from: Dan B on January 25, 2010, 03:45:14 PM
Im confused. I was under the belief that a whole new VA facility was being built just south of Darnell Cookman/Twin towers area. That was the reason they demoed all of those houses (including Dr Schells)
I thought it was like 800,000 Sq ft facility or some such, not just an expansion of the existing facility.
Lake, didnt you have the site plans for the VA clinic?
The new VA clinic will be were the old Brewster hospital was, just south of the twin towers on Jefferson Street. According to the article, it will be a little over 100,000 square feet and won't open to 2012. In the meantime, the VA will expand its services by leasing additional space all over town (according to the article).
Quote from: samiam on January 25, 2010, 04:21:55 PM
Have any of you thought about starting a Springfield veterans group or association. I think we need to
Out of curiosity, why would you need one just for Springfield? There's already veteran groups and associations here in Jax., so I'm confused as to what your goal would be. And no, I'm not saying I'm opposed to that, just don't understand the reasoning behind a neighborhood one. And no, I'm not against it either.
Quote from: samiam on January 25, 2010, 04:21:55 PM
Have any of you thought about starting a Springfield veterans group or association. I think we need to
Watch out you will have a lot of people screaming and yelling over this- doesn't fit the gated community design LOL!
In all seriousness- Thank you to all who are or have served- Army Brat of an Army Brat, of an Army Brat, and mother of a newly minted soldier (well after another year of college!
Quote from: Ocklawaha on January 25, 2010, 12:03:46 PM
Thanks HU. I wonder how many folks on this forum would fight for more from the VA? Do they realize the VA is tied to the University of Florida Medical School... AND... Shand's is tied to the University of Florida Medical School. Does it take brain surgeons to figure out what this could become for Jacksonville and Springfield, if we'd just quit settling for mediocrity?
OCKLAWAHA
I agree wholeheartedly Ock; tremendous potential; but unfortunately our leaders are one sighted and look at things only from the side of their face rather than the whole focused view.
"HU"
Quote from: nvrenuf on January 25, 2010, 03:37:41 PM
Two points:
Ock - I wish this city would do SOMETHING that wasn't half-assed. Sadly it seems par for the course.
HU - I also wish that ALL disabled vets who honorably served fell into the "make pretty decent money" income level but again sadly it just isn't so. Of all the people who deserve the best retirement and healthcare plans. I say < to congress and > to our vets.
When I say decent I am not comparing to private or civvy sector; I understand that 1,500 a month, more or a little less, is not "real decent" pay, however, there are some that would kill to make that amount of money (with yearly payraises of course which we didn't get this year); and for a military retiree that pay is decent if they've been smart and frugal with their money during their active careers; but for a disabled Vet who only served 4 or more years and not retired, I agree, it is not a lot of money. But still, those checks tremendously contribute to the economy and the area and neighborhood.
"HU"
Quote from: samiam on January 25, 2010, 04:03:58 PM
Quote from: Springfielder on January 25, 2010, 03:47:13 PM
My father was USN in WWII, my brother was USAF and served 2 years in Vietnam...he's just recently been given 100% disability for what happened to him there....not to overlook that my sister-in-law was also USAF. I am a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders and many of my dear friends are vets...so trust me, I am all for supporting them, for fighting for better treatment, for better services...you name it, if it's for our vets, you can count me in. I know all too well, what serving our country means, and it rips my heart out that this country doesn't see fit to take care of those who have served.
I served 25 years, My father served 22 years, Navy, Army air corp and Air force, WWII, Berlin air lift, Korea and Vietnam. My grand father served in WWI and my great grandfather served in the Civil war. I am 4th generation military. I live in a historic house because I feel a link to the past due to my military heritage. I agree with you 100% Springfielder
Well done samiam; we've got quite a few military battle axes in this forum. Thank you for your tremendous sacrifice in serving our country. We know how to win the battles and wars, something that most have no clue of. The military fraternity (Vets) are truly elite to say the least. To our civilians in the forum, we know you go through a lot too out in the corporate career world, so we thank you for "giving the finger" to the Directors, Managers, CEO's and Presidents who make too much money.
"HU"
Quote from: heights unknown on January 26, 2010, 08:55:21 AM
Quote from: nvrenuf on January 25, 2010, 03:37:41 PM
Two points:
Ock - I wish this city would do SOMETHING that wasn't half-assed. Sadly it seems par for the course.
HU - I also wish that ALL disabled vets who honorably served fell into the "make pretty decent money" income level but again sadly it just isn't so. Of all the people who deserve the best retirement and healthcare plans. I say < to congress and > to our vets.
When I say decent I am not comparing to private or civvy sector; I understand that 1,500 a month, more or a little less, is not "real decent" pay, however, there are some that would kill to make that amount of money (with yearly payraises of course which we didn't get this year); and for a military retiree that pay is decent if they've been smart and frugal with their money during their active careers; but for a disabled Vet who only served 4 or more years and not retired, I agree, it is not a lot of money. But still, those checks tremendously contribute to the economy and the area and neighborhood.
"HU"
That is pretty much our situation. My wife served 6 years and is receiving disability and I went 13yrs before I pulled the pin and I'm receiving it as well. I was bummed when there wasn't a bump this year in the rate, I am still very thankful for it, it does help. And we are already spending some of it at 3 Layers LOL.
HEIGHTS UNKNOWN Thank you for your service and dedication and for making the correct decision to do something for your country other than just paying taxes.
As JFK said
It is not what your country can do for you, It is what you can do for your country.
The few that have lived the above statement I commend you !
Now that we did heed the call to service it is well past due that our country gives something back. with the all volunteer forces being deployed over and over do to the lack of replacements the people that did not heed the call need to step up and do there part.
Quote from: samiam on January 25, 2010, 03:41:04 PM
Yes a full VA hospital would be nice but at least this is a start. What we need to do is find out how many veterans and retired military are residing in Jacksonville compaired to areas that already have VA hospitals and let our congressman know
samiam USCG ret, U.S. Army 5 years, U.S. Coast Guard 20 Years 6 months
I don't agree samiam, seems to me all we are really getting is fresh sheetrock and tiles, for the same old services. Nothing is really improved much, nothing approaching what the need is. Does someone have a list of clinic's supposed to be supported in the new facility? In and out or Over night surgery? Optical? Dental? etc... Quote from: Dan B on January 25, 2010, 03:45:14 PM
Im confused. I was under the belief that a whole new VA facility was being built just south of Darnell Cookman/Twin towers area. That was the reason they demoed all of those houses (including Dr Schells)
I thought it was like 800,000 Sq ft facility or some such, not just an expansion of the existing facility.
Lake, didnt you have the site plans for the VA clinic?
Yeah, not even close. Many Wal-Mart Super Centers are as large or larger then this "Medical Center". Bottom line this is just a clinic, like your neighborhood doctors office. They will still turn you away at the door if you have any kind of emergency, and tell you to dial 911!
Perhaps the idea for a veterans group in Springfield is valid... Maybe a group to band together all veterans groups to fight for a REAL medical center in Jacksonville. OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: samiam on January 26, 2010, 11:25:48 PM
HEIGHTS UNKNOWN Thank you for your service and dedication and for making the correct decision to do something for your country other than just paying taxes.
As JFK said
It is not what your country can do for you, It is what you can do for your country.
The few that have lived the above statement I commend you !
Now that we did heed the call to service it is well past due that our country gives something back. with the all volunteer forces being deployed over and over do to the lack of replacements the people that did not heed the call need to step up and do there part.
"I do not like them with a rock, I will not eat them in a sock, I will not eat them in a car, I will not eat them in a bar; I do not like green eggs and ham, I do not like them SAMIAMI!"
Thanks samiam for your "kudo," "pat on the back," etc. Back at you again my comrade!
"HU"