Engineering Independence at the Armed Forces Retirement Home
Source: Military Community & Family Policy
The Armed Forces Retirement Homes (AFRH) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, November 3rd for a new building located on the grounds of the Washington facility. In attendance at the ceremony were Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Military Community and Family Policy), Robert Gordon, III; Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), Martha Johnson; the new AFRH Chief Operating Officer (COO), Steven McManus; and over 100 retirees and veterans of the Home.
The new Scott building will feature right-sized activity spaces, a Health and Wellness Center with medical, dental and optometry services, plus housing for long-term care and memory support. The 171,000-square-foot facility will be an energy efficient structure designed to current building codes and in compliance with the latest standards and practices in senior care design. "This is an especially gratifying groundbreaking because it marks yet another milestone for AFRH to move towards our person-centered care philosophy for all residents," said Steven McManus.
The GSA has been a key partner in moving the AFRH into the future. Administrator Martha Johnson stated, "GSA is honored to have the opportunity once again to oversee construction on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home." GSA is responsible for providing expertise in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for all new government buildings. The new Scott building is currently on track to receive a Silver certification when the construction is completed.
Secretary Robert Gordon, III was the keynote speaker for the second time in less than a year at the AFRH. In November 2010, Gordon was on hand to help new residents and active duty members from the Gulfport area open the Gulfport, MS facility. At the Scott groundbreaking ceremony, Secretary Gordon said, "It is fitting that we have this groundbreaking during Military Family Month. But more important, we are a week away from observing Veterans Day in honor of you. You are forever part of the military family and we thank you for your service." Gordon also noted, "This is not merely a new building but a modern facility with several amenities and health care service that are consistent with a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)."
The construction of the Scott building is on schedule to be completed in late fall of 2012. This new facility should be fully operational by February 2013.
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