VA Medical Center

The Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center is located at 77 Wainwright Dr, Walla Walla, WA 99362. The mission of this veteran’s-based hospital is to provide full medical services for the former members of the armed forces who have faithfully served in the United States military.  In the 1860’s, President Lincoln made a promise to care for America’s veterans.  VA hospitals like this one make good on that promise by providing unparalleled care that normal hospitals just cannot provide.

As part of the Veterans Health Administration, the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center is one of more than 1,200 facilities in a comprehensive health care network that serve millions of US veterans each year. Aside from medical care, the VA provides a host of other benefits, such as transitioning from military to home life, loans, life insurance, and much more.

Transitioning Back to Home Life

One of the most challenging struggles a service member faces is the transition back to “normal” life at home, away from the military. War may be necessary, but it’s not something that’s easily forgotten when your part is over. Soldiers are constantly on edge, worried about their lives and the lives of their fellow team members. Living with that fear, anxiety, and many times depressing thought that life can end at any moment is not easily forgotten when your service or tour ends.  Many veterans come home and feel ostracized from society, or they feel that no one else understands them because of the horrific things they have seen and been through.  The VA and other network facilities do what they can to aid in that transition.  A primary recommendation from veterans that now work for us is find support groups that meet regularly.  Those groups are helpful because many of the members have similar experiences. This allows them to relate to one another and share ideas and strategies for coping with the trauma of war and assimilating back into society smoothly.

National Cemeteries

The US has something called the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), whose job is to make sure all veterans are remembered. The NCA provides burial services for veterans and their families across the states and manages multiple cemeteries on behalf of the local communities. An example of this is the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Arlington, Virginia. More specifically, the address is 1 Wilson Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211. This historical monument was built to remember all of the soldiers of the US military whose remains haven’t been identified so that they are never forgotten. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day by the armed forces, and anyone within earshot of the monument must remain silent as a sign of respect. If you’re caught talking, you will be reprimanded and subsequently removed from the property forcibly.

War has negative consequences for many, leaving brave soldiers at times unidentified due to bodily mutilation, lack of identification, or poor record keeping. Before the Civil War, unknown soldiers were buried in mass graves. Today, many of them are buried at the Arlington National Cemetery. The Tomb of the Unknown Solider was erected in late 1920 and is meant to signify that our heroes are gone but not forgotten, regardless of their sex, race, or religion.

Home Loan Benefits

Service members and eligible surviving spouses are entitled to VA Home Loans which have far more favorable terms than normal loans. The key elements are that lack of a down payment, very low interest rates, little to no closing costs, no requirement for PMI insurance, and the inclusion of a lifetime benefit. VA loans are offered through banks, mortgage companies, and numerous private lenders. If there are ever issues with the loan or a veteran is unable to pay it, there are financial counselors available to assist with educating the member and keeping the loan on track.

 

Contact

Jonathan M. Wainwright
Amvets Post #1111
PO Box 2535
Walla Walla, WA  99362
Phone: (509) 525-1964
General Inquiries e-mail:
info@amvets-wallawalla.org