A new chapter in veteran healthcare was unveiled on Monday, Feb. 10, as the Thomas P. Noonan Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) celebrated its grand opening in Ridgewood.
This state-of-the-art medical facility, located at 50-05 Metropolitan Ave. in Ridgewood, is dedicated to providing veterans with comprehensive healthcare services and was named in honor of Lance Corporal Thomas P. Noonan Jr., who posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War.
The ceremony, which drew a crowd of dignitaries, veterans, and community members, featured speeches highlighting the importance of the clinic’s opening and its deep connection to Noonan’s legacy.
Luke Graziani, the Master of Ceremony, set the tone by emphasizing the clinic’s commitment to serving veterans with the same dedication and values that Noonan embodied during his military service.
“In this new space, we blend innovative healthcare delivery with the timeless values of integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence,” Graziani said. “These are the values that Lance Corporal Noonan demonstrated in his service to his country. This modern facility strengthens our ability to fulfill President Lincoln’s sacred promise: To care for him who shall have been born to battle, as well as his widow and orphan.”
Lance Corporal Noonan’s sacrifice is woven into the very fabric of the clinic’s purpose. Noonan’s life was cut short during the Vietnam War, but his heroism continues to inspire generations of Americans.
A citation read during the ceremony, issued posthumously by the President of the United States, praised Noonan’s bravery. His valor and selflessness in battle are remembered and honored through his work at the clinic that bears his name.
Dr. Balavenkatesh Kanna, the Medical Center Director, took to the podium next to express his immense honor in opening the new clinic.
“It is my pleasure and immense honor to stand before you today as we open this new veterans clinic,” he said. “This clinic is dedicated to serving those who selflessly served our country. We will continue to provide high-quality healthcare in the form of primary care, mental health services, and specialty care.”
Kanna emphasized that the clinic is not just about healthcare; it’s about creating a space of community, healing, and hope for veterans.
The Thomas P. Noonan CBOC is designed to offer primary care, mental health services, and specialty care, seamlessly integrating with the Bronx VA Medical Center. Veterans will have access to a full spectrum of services, ensuring they receive the comprehensive care they deserve. Kanna also touched on the clinic’s focus on younger veterans, highlighting its ability to cater to their unique healthcare needs.
Dr. Joan McInerney, VISN Network Director, addressed the crowd with a reflection on the significance of the facility’s location. Queens has long been a hub for veterans, and the clinic’s proximity to the rich military history of the borough makes it even more meaningful.
“Queens is home to more veterans than any other part of the city,” McInerney noted. “This facility not only represents a modernized approach to healthcare, but it also honors the legacy of service that has defined this borough for generations.”
She pointed out the Calvary Cemetery, located just two miles south of the clinic, where over 20 Medal of Honor recipients are buried. “This clinic is a tribute to those who have served, and it represents our unwavering commitment to providing the best care for our veterans,” she added.
Dr. Brian Westlake, Associate Director, spoke about the process of bringing the clinic to life. “I’ve been through a few of these openings, and I’m so excited to see everything come together,” he said. “From the idea stage to working with the community, the design, and construction, the clinic has truly become a place where our veterans will receive the care they deserve.”
Chief of Staff Dr. Menna Zaidi further elaborated on the clinic’s commitment to high-quality care. “We provide the best opportunity for our veterans to come for the best experience,” she said. “This clinic will provide same-day access if possible, and it is uniquely connected to top medical institutions, ensuring that our veterans get the same high level of care that people receive at leading hospitals.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards closed the ceremony by emphasizing the importance of the clinic and the ongoing need to support veterans beyond healthcare. He expressed gratitude for the efforts made in Queens to support veterans, noting his work with Gov. Kathy Hochul to redevelop the Creedmoor site in Eastern Queens into a dedicated veterans’ housing complex. This initiative highlights the borough’s commitment to veterans’ well-being.
“Queens is home to more veterans than any other part of the city, and healthcare is a human right,” Richards said. “It’s so important for veterans, when they come home, to have access to high-quality healthcare, but we also need to focus on housing them. Too many veterans are living in shelters, and that’s something we need to fix.”
