Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego have reintroduced a bill focused on supporting veterans in Gila County, which could lead to a new community center and retreat space for the nearly 5,500 veterans residing there. This legislative move aims to transfer 232.9 acres of National Forest land near Young, Arizona, from the U.S. Forest Service to the county for this purpose. The underutilized land is planned to become a space for veterans and their families to participate in retreats, meetings, and community events, along with housing a mobile VA clinic to address health care needs.
According to a statement released by Senator Kelly's office, the intended use of the transferred land was outlined. Kelly said, "For too long, this land has been sitting idle when it could be put to use supporting the veterans who made immense sacrifices for our country." Highlighting the potential benefits, he asserted that this initiative would create a space for veterans to "gather, connect, and access health care closer to home." The importance of such a facility spans various needs, making it a multifaceted support system for veterans in a predominantly rural area.
Joining forces, Senator Gallego emphasized the intangible benefits of the planned community center. "Having a place to gather with fellow veterans, connect with nature, and access services is vital to veterans’ wellbeing," Gallego commented, expressing pride over the joint legislative effort, as noted by Senator Kelly's office. Not only does the proposal hold promise for local Gila County veterans, but it also extends a welcoming hand towards veterans from across Arizona and potentially those from other states seeking solace and solidarity.
Local support within the community has shown a positive outlook on the legislation, with Gila County District 3 Supervisor Woody Cline acknowledging the effort's value. In a nod to the bill's potential, Cline mentioned, "The Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat provides a beautiful and peaceful facility in rural Arizona not only for Gila County veterans, but for veterans across the state and other states as well." He praised the repurposing of the former Forest Service site, seeing it as a dual benefit for veterans and the optimal use of land resources. Cline's statement, as reported by Senator Kelly's office, reflects a sentiment of appreciation and a shared vision for the project's potential.
The legislation, if passed, would mark a significant step towards improving the lives of veterans in Gila County by connecting them to a dedicated gathering space and vital health resources locally. For further details, the full text of the bill can be reviewed at Senator Kelly’s official website.
