Veterans

terested in donating land for the home, which would create 230 jobs paying a total $6.5 million and generate $4 million in spending on goods and services.

The more than 65,000 veterans in Shelby, Fayette and Tipton counties must currently drive 140 miles to the nearest VA skilled nursing care facility in Humboldt to receive comprehensive long-term care and rehabilitation, among other services. Colvett, recalling the health struggles of an uncle who served in Operation Phoenix in Vietnam, said that drive was a disservice to veterans who risked life and limb for their country.

“It is absolutely reprehensible that our veterans would have to travel that far,” he said.

Board member Kevin Rardin, a former county district attorney, recalled his time serving in Afghanistan, when he became like a father to many of his younger fellow soldiers. They did their part, now it’s our turn, he said.

“It’s your obligation. It’s mine,” said Rardin, who also served on the West Tennessee Veterans board. “If these people go out and serve in your name, in the name of your country, you can care for them. And the way to do it is by getting these veteran homes built. And we’re close. We can get it done.”

Tennessee has the capacity for five more VA homes, although four — including the one coming to Arlington — are already in the works, Swogger said. The state has already added Memphis to its queue for a home but hasn’t filed the application for funding with the VA.

At the meeting, Ford encouraged the public to donate to the Arlington facility to bring the Memphis project closer to becoming reality and pledged to personally contribute $100 to its construction.

“It’s not a Democratic thing to do, it’s not a Republican thing to do: It’s the right thing to do at the end of the day,” he said.

The board will meet again in the next 30-45 days at a location yet to be determined.

Reach Ryan Poe at poe@commercial appeal.com or on Twitter at @ryanpoe.