Uniontown VA clinic called blessing

World War II veteran Louis Giachetti said he understands the annoyance felt by an aging population of Fayette County veterans who, until about two months ago, had to drive as far as Pittsburgh for routine doctor visits.

"This is the greatest thing that's ever happened to Fayette County," said Giachetti, commander of the county American Legion. "This is a blessing."

Giachetti was one of about 50 people who came to watch the dedication of the new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Uniontown on Tuesday.

The facility opened in early March. Local and federal officials talked about the importance of the clinic before a ceremonial ribbon-cutting yesterday.

"This morning we're here to dedicate not just brick and mortar but to dedicate ourselves to the veterans," said national VA Secretary R. James Nicholson.

Until the clinic opened, Fayette County veterans were driving to similar clinics in Washington, Pa., and Hempfield Township, or as far away as the VA Hospital in Pittsburgh for basic medical treatment.

Giachetti said he thinks having a local clinic will help to keep veterans healthier because they will be less likely to skip a checkup. "They figured the trip to Pittsburgh was too long," Giachetti said. "Being here, they'll go."

Nicholson agreed that the local clinic is of great importance to the older veterans, but he added that younger ones returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan deserve quality medical treatment as well. Having a clinic close by is a bonus.

"Veterans traveled to the ends of the earth when we needed them," Nicholson said.

The clinic opened about a week before Frank Staszko took over as county veterans affairs director. While giving credit to those who had worked to get the clinic built in Uniontown, Staszko said he will work to ensure the facility's success in the future.

"I think any time you take on a new challenge like this, you're going to have a few bumps in the road," he said. "I think it's our job to make sure they stay minor."

James R. Smith, past regional president of the Fleet Reserve Association, said he has been pushing for the clinic for almost five years. He said the building is standing today because of the interest shown by Fayette's veterans groups.

"Without their backing, we'd probably still be fighting to get a clinic here," Smith said.