REDDING, California – Reddings Veterans Home was full of life and laughter Saturday as hundreds of veterans and families celebrated the facilitys first anniversary.
For many years, the facility was only a dream for retired state Sen. Maurice Johannessen, who authored and pushed legislation in the early 2000s to establish a long-term care facility here. Now, seeing the $88-million facility full of residents and visitors a year after it opened, the former state secretary of veterans affairs cant stop grinning.
This is my baby right here, he said, walking through the building.
Employees at the veterans home buried a time capsule with mementos from the construction that will be reopened in 20 years. The celebration also featured a barbecue lunch cooked by the Asphalt Cowboys, displays of uniforms and war memorabilia, and games for children.
The home includes residential care for the elderly and a skilled nursing unit for those who need specialized medical treatment. Currently, 72 people live in the 150-bed home.
This whole facility here is so beautiful, Johannessen said.
Retired Maj. John Cleckner of the U.S. Army Special Forces, who helped Johannessen do research in the early phases of the veterans homes construction, said hes thrilled that Redding now has the facilities to care for so many veterans.
Its been incredibly gratifying for both of us, Cleckner said.
Construction will continue at the facility for several years, Johannessen said. The Home Depot has awarded a $12,000 grant to the Veterans Home for the construction of a bird aviary as well as the installation of outdoor benches and chairs. Johannessen said hed also like to see another medical center built across the street that can serve residents of the home.
Leo Boudreau, a Navy veteran of World War II, has lived in the veterans home for about six months.
You cant beat it here, he said. It even beats living at home with my kids.
Boudreaus been busy during his time at the home, volunteering to help paint and stain new furniture for the gardens.
It helps keep you out of trouble, Boudreau said with a laugh.
Frank Fish, who fought in the Korean War with the Army, has also lived in the home for about six months. Fish gave the home ten kudos, he said with a smile.
For veterans our age in our conditions, there could be no better care anywhere, he said.
