Central Texas VA celebrates opening of expanded Temple clinic

TEMPLE, Texas (FOX 44) — The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System is celebrating the opening of its new expanded Temple VA clinic, providing more accessible and convenient healthcare for local veterans. Dozens of community members and veterans alike gathered to witness the occasion and tour the new facility.

The $5 million project adds over 22,000 square feet to the existing clinic, with convenient and direct access to Interstate 35.

Officials say the expansion will allow all patient-aligned care teams in Temple to be located in a single facility to make healthcare easily accessible to the thousands of veterans in the Central Texas area.

“These are our country’s heroes. These are why we get to celebrate the freedoms that we have each and every single day. And so, we need to show support all across the board for our veterans,” said Chris Myhaver, the Executive Director for the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System.

The expanded Temple VA clinic will be serving over 26,000 veterans beginning August 4th, 2025 – offering primary care, social work, pharmacy support, mental health support, and more.

Earl Williams is a retired Army veteran and a Purple Heart recipient who served for 30 years. He said the expansion will make a real difference for veterans in the area.

“I’ve been coming to VA since 1995,” he explained. “You get the best service, and I’m-a say this, in the world here. We got the best doctors in the world that’s treating us,” he said.

Williams dedicated his values for veterans receiving quality care sparked from his military career.

“I was a Command Sergeant Major. It was my highest position or rank that I held, and I was a Regimental Sergeant Major, Brigade’s Command Sergeant Major, and I dealt with the troops every day.”

The updated layout includes more efficient workspaces for staff and larger exam rooms for improved patient comfort. Tours of the facility were offered following Thursday’s ceremony.

Officials say they hope to continue growing to meet demand.

“The more veterans we can serve, the better for all of us,” Myhaver said. “If we have to expand again down the line, that would be a good problem to have.”