Gov. Heineman Attends Western Nebraska
Veterans’ Home 30th Anniversary

(Scottsbluff, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman praised the Western Nebraska Veterans’ Home at its 30th anniversary celebration for providing quality care to the veterans it serves.

“I applaud this continuing commitment to honor and support veterans who risked their lives to preserve our liberty,” Gov. Heineman said. “Since 1975, caring for our veterans has been a top priority for this home. I commend the work of all those who support and enrich the lives of veterans in western Nebraska. Their generosity helps make it possible to modernize and improve the care provided to our veterans.”

Gov. Heineman was joined by veterans, families, advocates, local officials and the public at the celebration today in Scottsbluff.

Improvements over the 30 year history of the home include the addition of a small chapel providing all-faiths services since 1979; a fishing pond built and stocked with trout in 1982; a 50-bed skilled nursing wing added in 1986; a screened-in patio off the dining room; a Memorial Wall erected in 1992 that lists the names of members, wives, widows and Gold Star mothers and fathers who passed while living at the home; a heated and air-conditioned observation deck near the pond; and a seven-hole putting green.

The most recent addition includes a new canteen, beauty shop, reception area and room for physical and occupational therapies, as well as a large multipurpose space. Completed in August, this is the first time residents have had access to a social activities area in the home’s 29-year history.

Bob Brozek, administrator of the Western Nebraska Veterans’ Home, said, “The multipurpose addition built last year connects the community, members and their families. The expansion allows members to be part of community activities and encourages them play an active role in family life.”

Dennis Loose, chief deputy director in charge of the four state veterans’ homes in the Nebraska Health and Human Services System (HHSS), said, “Our state veterans’ homes show Nebraska’s strong commitment to honor and support veterans. Each of the four homes provides services ranging from assisted living to skilled nursing care.”

HHSS is charged with overseeing the operation and management of Nebraska’s veterans’ homes, located in Grand Island, Norfolk, Omaha and Scottsbluff.

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