Boise, Idaho
September 16, 2006
During the Battle of Britain, Prime Minister Winston Churchill remarked about the pilots of that day who were protecting England from Nazi air raids, saying, "Never have so many, owed so much, to so few". I thought about his words this past summer as I attended the Boise Veterans Olympics. There before me were several hundred veterans, some who had served in the Pacific and Europe during WWII, others who had fought in Korea and Vietnam, and younger veterans who served in more recent conflicts. They had assembled at the VA facilities at Ft. Boise to enjoy themselves and earn some recognition. I was extremely honored to be among them and to be able to offer words of encouragement.
These are the heroes to whom we all owe so much. It was great to see them competing and, more importantly, staying active.
What a neat place to hold such an event. Ft. Boise was originally constructed in 1863 by the U.S. Cavalry as an outpost in the untamed west. Now its grounds form a beautiful park and the staff and facilities there provide veterans with quality health care. And the veteran's home on the grounds gives many a place to live. Although small in size, Boise VA Medical Center is large in the number of services provided and over the years has developed an enviable reputation for quality and innovation. It's interesting to note that two geothermal wells provide heat to about 400,000 square feet in 22 buildings on the hospital grounds, which keeps costs low and residents and staff warm.
Veterans' Day is November 11.
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