VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — In addition to honoring servicemembers, this year’s Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony is celebrating the opening of a center geared towards helping those who have served our country.
WATCH: Officials speaking about opening of new veterans care center during Commonwealth's Veterans Day Ceremony
On Friday, one day before Veterans Day, Governor Youngkin, state and federal leaders, veterans and more gathered and the new Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center (JCVCC) for the annual ceremony. The occasion also marked the official grand opening of Virginia’s newest veterans care center.
“We are especially excited to open the Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center in Virginia Beach to provide affordable, long-term nursing care to veterans in Hampton Roads,” said Commissioner Daniel Gade of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
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After the ribbon was cut Friday morning, people flocked inside the center to see what it has to offer.
“It’s amazing. I think it will be a boost to morale," said Army veteran Noel Baquiran.
Baquiran is the center’s very first resident and will be receiving a variety of services.
“Therapy, medication, and health testing like blood work routinely," Baquiran explained.
The center has capacity for 128 veterans, offering both short and long-term care with a variety of amenities including a private room for each veteran, a barbershop, and weekly worship services.
“There is such a great need for quality veteran care in our area with all of the surrounding military bases," said JCVCC Assistant administrator David Caldwell. "We do have quite a lengthy waiting list, but as we work through our waiting list we are looking at eligibility statuses and different care levels."
Any honorably discharged veteran who is a Virginia resident and meets medical requirements for nursing home care is eligible to apply.
“Let’s honor Christopher Cabacoy and Col. Jones by ensuring every person who walks through these doors receives the care and support they truly deserve," said Christopher Cabacoy's widow, Tamara Cabacoy.
Christopher is one of the two service members for whom the center is named. Prior to the ribbon cutting, she was among the dignitaries who spoke to the large crowd gathered for the celebration.
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Bill Jones is the other service member for whom the center is named. His daughter spoke, saying her father would be honored to have his name beside Cabacoy's.
She also brought a copy of her father's book, Maxims for Men-At-Arms, to donate to the center.
"It is his life's collection of quotations, chosen for their wit and wisdom," she said.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said the center is a big deal for the Commonwealth.
“The Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center is more than a care center. It’s a building that reflects our commitment to serve those who serve us," Youngkin said.
A commitment Baquiran said is much more conducive to his health and will be a great help to veterans.
As of Friday, a fourth veterans care center was under construction in Faquier County.
The new JCVCC is located at 2641 Nimmo Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
