More than 4 million Veterans return from active military careers to reside in rural communities. At VA, we work to meet these Veterans where they live and promote the opportunities to find happy homes in these rural communities around the country.
Like the Veterans you’ll serve when you join our team, these rural communities are as diverse and exciting as you can imagine. You may find an opportunity to be closer to family and friends, or just enjoy a greater sense of privacy. Perhaps the lower cost of living or even the allure of open space appeals to you.
Today, we’ll explore the George H. O’Brien, Jr. VA Medical Center and the history of Big Spring, Texas.
History of George H. O’Brien, Jr. VA Medical Center
The VA hospital in Big Spring admitted its first patient, Marine Corps Veteran James A. Waters, on July 15, 1950. It cost $6 million to build and had 250 beds. Dr. L.B. Andrew, the first director of the new VA hospital, held a statewide drive to find 15 doctors, 52 nurses, and a handful of medical technicians and clerk stenographers to staff the facility.
The main, 6-story building that was home to the original facility was expanded in 1989 with a 4,900-square-foot addition to house new computer and telephone systems.
In 2004, the facility was identified for possible closure, with plans floated to move all services to Midland-Odessa. However, in April 2006, the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) commission recommended the hospital facility stay open with modifications and expanded services.
In 2009, ground broke for a permanent $7.1 million, 25,000 square foot, 40-bed domiciliary unit, and today, the facility serves tens of thousands of Veterans in the region, providing top-notch medical care and support as part of the West Texas VA Healthcare System.
Officially known as the George H. O’Brien, Jr. VA Medical Center, the facility is named after Korean War Veteran and Medal of Honor recipient George H. O’Brien, Jr., who was an active volunteer at the facility until his passing in 2005.
Big Spring, Texas
Big Spring takes its name from the large spring that issues into a small gorge between the base of Scenic Mountain and a neighboring hill in the southwestern part of the city limits.
The area had long been a popular watering hole for Native American residents and nomads, including members of the Jumano, Apache, and Comanche tribes. However, archeological data suggests that mastodons, woolly mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and many other extinct species also frequented the location prior to the arrival of humans.
The first European to view the site was probably a member of a Spanish expedition exploring the Great Plains from New Mexico, though it was not until the 1800s that settlements started to develop around the water source.
Over time, the community flourished under a number of different industries. Ranching laid the groundwork for the establishment of the first community, while new railroads connected the flourishing city to much of the west and southern plains. In the 1920s, the discovery of oil in the region led to a new boom that continues to be a significant factor in the modern economy.
Today, Big Spring’s revitalized downtown offers a fun atmosphere that the entire family can enjoy. Attractions include the Heritage Museum of Big Spring and Hanger 25 Air Museum, a fully restored WWII-era hangar, for the more history-minded visitors and residents. You’ll also find venues for hiking, hunting, golf, and more.
Big Spring also has options if you want to spend the day browsing specialty boutiques, enjoy dinner and drinks at local eateries, or finish up with a night on the town. In short, whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find unique establishments that offer a wide variety of entertainment options.
Jobs in the George H. O’Brien, Jr. VA Medical Center
The George H. O’Brien, Jr. VA Medical Center in Big Spring provides primary care and specialty health services, including mental health services, treatment for spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injury (TBI), suicide prevention, women’s health care, and more.
See what positions are available at this location.
Work at VA
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NOTE: Positions listed in this post were open at the time of publication. All current available positions are listed at USAJOBS.gov.
