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The Nebraska Health and Human Services System and the
State of Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs is responsible
for honoring the promise and sacred trust made to provide benefits for
the State’s Veterans and their dependents by virtue of their service
in defense of The United States of America. This commitment transcends
the physical attributes associated with providing medical, social and
statutory benefits prescribed by law. These eligible individuals are members
of a special fraternity embodying Americanism, patriotism and sacrifice
that encompasses much more than the care, welfare, support, maintenance
and treatment of individuals. Embodied in this trust and promise is the
establishment, administration and maintenance of State Veterans’
Homes to provide care, shelter and services for the Veteran, Veterans’
family members or survivors of Veterans. These Homes honor members for
service with a special character that recognizes the great contributions
that our State’s Veterans have made in service to our country and
reflects their unique, shared experience.
A Task Force
appointed in January of 2002, by Governor Johanns was charged with completing
a comprehensive assessment of facilities, programs and staffing at the
existing Thomas Fitzgerald Veterans’ Home in Douglas County, Nebraska.
Built in 1930, this is currently home to approximately 110 Veterans. Specifically,
the Task Force was directed to assess existing conditions, determine eligible
Veterans’ (also called Members) needs, identify and evaluate the
options to serve these needs, including renovating and/or adding to the
existing Thomas Fitzgerald Veterans’ Home; or developing a new facility
including site selection options. This analysis is presented in the form
of a Program Statement.
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