Crosby to highlight veterans home

Several prominent military veterans will be speaking Friday at the Kootenai County Democratic Club meeting in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

The meeting starts at noon at The Iron Horse, 407 E. Sherman Ave.

With approval of a veterans home in Post Falls, local civic leader Len Crosby will talk about the impact of the facility. Crosby has long been active in bringing the dream to fruition.

“On the funding list for fiscal 2019 we were No. 45 [among projects nationwide] and the V.A. funded the first 35,” said Crosby. “However, some states didn’t get everything squared away and we were able to jump in to take advantage. This is huge.” The home will have 64 beds and cover about 82,000 square feet. The design will incorporate a small-house concept, where possible, to ensure a home-like environment while still meeting the state regulations applicable to IDVS and maximizing the staff-to-resident ratio for operational efficiency, said Kevin Wallior, IDVS executive assistant. The home will be built on 7.3 acres donated by the Jacklin Land Co. in Riverbend Commerce Park on Post Falls’ west side.

Also Friday, attendees will hear from two other veterans, Don Walker and Bryan Bledsoe. Walker and Bledsoe are the driving force behind creating and distributing important information for local veterans.