For Immediate Release:

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and U.S. Congressman Doc Hastings (R-WA) today introduced legislation to name the soon-to-be-opened VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Wenatchee after Elwood "Bud" Link.

A World War II veteran, Mr. Link had to drive 6 hours roundtrip to receive care through the VA. In 2001 VFW Post 10445 created a healthcare committee, with Bud taking the lead. The committee investigated a variety of ways to improve VA accessibility, and eventually approached Senator Murray and Rep. Hastings with their findings.

The healthcare committee, working with Murray and Hastings, began pushing for a clinic to be located in North Central Washington. Bud was instrumental in keeping the region's veterans motivated, active, and informed about how to successfully make a clinic a reality. Mr. Link championed the clinic until his death in 2003.

Today, Senator Murray said: "Bud Link dedicated his time and energy to helping other veterans, and now that the clinic he fought for is going to open, we have a chance to honor his lifetime of service." "Recognizing Bud Link's longtime commitment to hometown health care for local veterans, it is absolutely fitting to name the clinic in his honor," added Hastings.