CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Veterans joined local and state officials to commemorate the state’s official acceptance of property donated for use as the future site of the Bradley County State Veterans Home today.
“I know this has been a long and challenging journey for all of our local partners,” said Tennessee Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder in a ceremony held on the donated land, a parcel of rolling pastoral field located at 1960 Westland Drive. “However, today is a day to celebrate their hard work, unwavering commitment and generosity which we believe will one day culminate in the establishment of a Tennessee State Veterans Home in Cleveland.”
State officials recognized property donors Robert Wright, Steve Williams, Thomas Williams and the trustees of American Legion Post 81 during the event.
The state’s acceptance marks a major milestone for the facility project, which calls for the construction of nine homes that will accommodate a total of 108 beds, said officials. The next key benchmark for the veterans home will be the allocation of federal money.
The project currently ranks number 66 on the fiscal year 2016 United States Department of Veterans Affair State Home Construction Grants Priority List.