The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
From left to right: Associate Director for Patient Care Services Laundrena LaPradd-Bradley; Eddie Compton; Chief of Staff Kittra T. Owens; Justin Castanza; Director Amir Farooqi; keynote speaker State Rep. Ed Oliver; Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Jeffrey L. Newton; Deputy Associate Director for Patient Care Services Sandee Foster; Deputy Director Valerie Russell; and Deputy Chief of Staff for the Tuskegee Campus Whitney Scifres.
Loretta Grant ~ Alabama Gazette, Speaking in Memory of dr. Martha Simmons
Associate director for Patient Care Services Laundrena LaPradd-Bradley
Keynote Speaker, State Rep. Ed Oliver
Director Amir Farooqi - Justin Castanza
Director Amir Farooqi - Eddie Compton
Director Amir Farooqi - State Rep. Ed Oliver
MONTGOMERY, AL - Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System recently commemorated the 85th anniversary of its Montgomery Campus during a Dec. 15, 2025, observance honoring more than eight decades of service to Alabama's Veterans.
The ceremony brought together community leaders, Veterans, and staff at the Montgomery Campus' West Campus to reflect on the facility's enduring legacy, which began when the hospital first opened its doors on Nov. 1, 1940.
"This anniversary is not just about a building; it is about the thousands of lives touched and the promise we keep to our nation's heroes," said CAVHCS Director Amir Farooqi. "From 1940 to 2025, our mission has remained steadfast, even as our methods and facilities have modernized to meet the changing needs of our Veterans."
The observance featured a keynote address by Alabama State Rep. Ed Oliver and was emceed by WSFA 12 anchor Simon Schuessler. Attendees also witnessed the presentation of official proclamations by Senior Policy Advisor Eddie Compton on behalf of Mayor Steven L. Reed and Montgomery County Commissioner Justin Castanza, recognizing the hospital's longstanding role in the community.
The Dec. 15 ceremony reflected both respect for the past and pride in the future of CAVHCS. During the observance, centenarian Veterans were recognized alongside trailblazing leaders and long-standing community partners whose support has strengthened Veteran care across generations.
The program underscored the enduring relevance of the CAVHCS mission and reaffirmed a commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care. It served as both a moment of reflection and a recommitment to serving Veterans with integrity, respect, and excellence.
Over 85 years, the Montgomery campus has achieved numerous milestones while continuing to modernize and adapt to meet the needs of those it serves. Most recently, CAVHCS earned a Five-Star Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rating, reflecting a continued focus on quality and safety rooted in a long-standing tradition of care. The event underscored CAVHCS's continued commitment to delivering safe, high-quality health care to Veterans throughout the Central Alabama region, while honoring the legacy that has shaped the organization for 85 years.
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