Pocono News Section

Veterans Center Coming to Snyder County

Veterans Center Coming to Snyder County - Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 5:28PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008 @ 05:28pm EST
SELINSGROVE, SNYDER COUNTY - Veterans care is about to take a major step forward in the Susquehanna Valley. After years of speculation, federal officials confirm that a new veterans affairs clinic is coming to Snyder County. Several counties, including Northumberland and Union, were passed over for the center.

"It's very good news," Harold Aucker said Tuesday afternoon. Aucker is the Selinsgrove VFW Quartermaster.

After years of letter writing, petitions and perservance, Snyder County won the battle to get the center.

"It's going to mean a 15-20 minutes drive, where before it was a ride to Lebanon, which is a one and a-half hour drive one way or to Wilkes-Barre, which is another one and a-half to two hours," Aucker said.

News of the incoming clinic started spreading around VFW Post 6631.

"I think it's a very good idea, so veterans don't have to travel so far. Sometimes, they have trouble getting a way to get there," veteran Bob Baney said.

Federal officials have not said exactly where in Snyder County the new clinic will be set up. It is expected to start limited operations by December and service more than 500 veterans in the Susquehanna Valley.