Battle Creek VA celebrates 100 years of Veteran care

Veterans, staff and community members from southwest Michigan gathered at Battle Creek VA Oct. 15 to celebrate and recognize the hospital’s 100th anniversary of care to Veterans in the region from when it first opened in 1924.

The event began with a flyover of T-34 Mentor and L-17 Navion aircraft followed by an official Color Guard presentation from the local Native American Potawatomi tribe and an invocation from Chaplain Sherri Headen.

“It’s remarkable to reflect on the journey that brought us to this moment, one that spans a century of service, care and commitment to Veterans,” said Michelle Martin, Battle Creek VA executive director. “What began as a barren landscape of sand dunes has transformed into the beautiful, healing campus we see today, a sanctuary for residential mental health recovery and whole health care.”

When it opened, it was first called Veterans Hospital Number 100 because it was the 100th VA hospital in the United States. From start to completion of the original hospital, the task took 500 days and provided 22 buildings that were able to support 500 Veteran patients when operating at full capacity.

“We are preparing for the next 100 years.”

Since then, the medical center has grown and shifted its services to accommodate the developing needs of Veterans who reside not only in southwest Michigan, but also those who live in east Michigan and northern areas of Ohio and Indiana.

Battle Creek VA now has clinics in Benton Harbor, Lansing, Muskegon and Wyoming to help serve Veterans in the region and is developing plans to add three more soon.

“As we look toward the future, we are preparing for the next 100 years of Veteran care as we are positioning Battle Creek VA to be the provider of choice and a place where Veterans can find the highest quality care and the respect they deserve. Health care is constantly evolving and we are committed to evolving with it, always focused on meeting the needs of today’s Veterans and those who will follow,” Martin added.

Battle Creek VA currently serves 44,908 Veterans. In 2023, Battle Creek VA had over 1,900 employees, including 469 employees who were Veterans. The medical center had 326 volunteers in 2023 who donated 24,036 hours to help Veterans. The hospital has 221 total operating beds, including 45 mental health beds, 75 community living center beds and 101 rehabilitation treatment beds.

“At one time, had 2,000 patients.”

“We started as a neuropsychiatric facility and at one time had as many 2,000 patients. We still maintain a regional hub for Residential Mental Health Programs,” said Dr. Ketan Shah, chief of staff. “Our providers deliver care that is focused on the whole health of our Veterans and they understand the needs of Veterans. That is why Veterans continue to choose Battle Creek VA.”

Following the ceremony, staff and guests toured the campus and viewed displays, including military vehicles, a vintage car show and food trucks. There was also a 100th anniversary exhibit, hot air balloons and live music.

A Resource Fair and Health & Wellness exhibit for attendees to learn more about Whole Health and other useful VA healthcare programs and initiatives also was set up.

Learn more about Battle Creek VA and explore the health services the hospital provides.