History
Explore the rich heritage of the VA West Texas Healthcare System.
VA West Texas Healthcare System
Big Spring VA Hospital
The VA hospital in Big Spring opened its doors and admitted the first patient, Marine Corps Veteran James A. Waters, on July 15, 1950. It cost $6 million to build and had 250 beds.
Dr. L.B. Andrew, the first director of the new VA hospital, held a statewide drive to find 15 doctors, 52 nurses, and a handful of medical technicians and clerk stenographers. The annual salaries ranged from $2,650 to $10,000 (about $29,000 to $110,000 in 2021 dollars).
Big Spring VA Medical Center
In 1989 a 4,900-square-foot addition was built to house the new computer and telephone systems. By this time the facility was known as Big Spring VA Medical Center. In 2004, Big Spring VA was identified for possible closure and a move of all services to Midland-Odessa. In April 2006, the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) commission recommended the hospital facility stay open with modifications and expanded services, and in 2009, ground broke for a permanent $7.1 million, 25,000-square-foot, 40-bed domiciliary unit.
George H. O'Brien, Jr. VA Medical Center
Congress passed a bill in 2009 to rename the Big Spring VA Medical Center after George H. O'Brien, Jr. O'Brien enlisted in the Marine Core after graduating from Big Spring High School and fought during the Korean War.
West Texas VA Health Care System
In October 2019, Veterans Health Administration incorporated the practice of healthcare systems operating within a regional network. Each healthcare system consists of the main hospital facility and the associated VA clinics within the communities where care is provided to Veterans.
Wilson and Young Medal of Honor VA Clinic
In 2019, Public Law 116-87 was enacted by Congress to rename the community-based outpatient clinic in Odessa as the Wilson and Young Medal of Honor VA Clinic. Private First Class Alfred ‘‘Mac’’ Wilson of the Marine Corps and Staff Sergeant Marvin ‘‘Rex’’ Young of the Army, both from Odessa, were each posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic actions in the Vietnam War.
Col. Charles and JoAnne Powell VA Clinic
The 117th Congress voted to change the name of the San Angelo VA Clinic in 2022 to the Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell VA Clinic, who served the community of San Angelo, Texas, with character and dignity. Col. Powell served as the base commander of Goodfellow Air Force Base from 1980 to 1984. When the Powells moved to San Angelo, Col. Powell was ordered to help Goodfellow avoid closure and the displacement of many members of the Armed Forces from the community they had grown to love. His wife, JoAnne, served multiple decades of public service.
The renaming of the Col. Charles and JoAnne Powell VA Clinic took place on July 31, 2023. From left to right: the Powell's grandchildren, Caitlin and Colin McKinney; son-in-law, Jerry McKinney; daughter, Terri McKinney; and West Texas VA Health Care System Medical Center Director Keith Bass.