New VA opening up on Central Coast, the second of its kind in country

On Thursday, the public is invited to celebrate the grand opening of the new Major General William H. Gourley VA-DOD Outpatient Clinic at 10:00 a.m. in Marina.

“There’s nothing like it in the VA. Definitely state of the art. Creating a space for veterans to receive care unlike anything else in this country,” said Public Affairs Officer, Damian McGee.

Nestled on the old army base, the new 150,000 square-foot clinic oozes history.

“We kept the Fort Ord history as part of this building. When people come and tour through the building they can see an original painting that was in the Stilwell Hall, the former officers club on Fort Ord. There’s also a couple tile mosaics,” said McGee.

“If you look around here at the barracks you can still hear the soldiers marching around. It’s now bustling with veterans and all these services again as well,” said Tony Virrueta.

Army Veteran Tony Virrueta was stationed at Fort Ord back in the 90’s, he’s also one of the many that have to make the long trip to Palo Alto for certain services.

“It’s usually a two to three hour drive. Some can’t drive themselves and would have to rely on a shuttle. And it’s just a big haul to get to Palo Alto. Now they will be able to get their services here,” said Virrueta.

Aside from the new clinic in Marina, There’s only one other facility throughout the whole country that serves both active duty service members and veterans in the same place

“Major General Gourley this was his vision in 1994. To have a multi-faceted facility for all veterans and their family members. Representative Sam Farr has worked really hard for two years to make this vision happen. And I am grateful for him,” said Virrueta.

The new clinic is located at 201 9th street in Marina, near the Dunes Shopping Center.