'Our veterans deserve the best '
From L: Post Falls Mayor Ron Jacobson, Vietnam Veteran Len Crosby, Idaho Division of Veterans Services Mark Tschampl, Governor Brad Little, Don Jacklin and Doyle Jacklin.
ELLI GOLDMAN HILBERT/Press
Gloria Robinson was one of hundreds who gathered Thursday to sign the Topping Off beam celebrating the Post Falls Veterans Home, on track for completion in the fall of 2022.
POST FALLS — About 300 people gathered Thursday for the historic Topping Off Ceremony celebrating the Post Falls Veterans Home, scheduled for completion next year.
The veterans home will be the fourth in Idaho, joining Lewiston, Boise and Pocatello.
“Our veterans deserve the best possible care,” said Mark Tschampl, chief administrator for the Idaho Division of Veterans Services. “And this state-of-the-art facility is the absolute best.”
About two years ago, the Jacklin family donated the land for the project.
“We couldn’t be more proud as a family,” said Doyle Jacklin. “Congratulations and we got 'er done.”
Gov. Brad Little said there are many threats to American safety and freedom today, but the ceremony was something for the people of Idaho to celebrate.
“I am proud to recognize our veterans,” Little said. “They have earned and deserve our reverence and support.”
The Post Falls Veterans Home represents a “recommitment to honor those who have made our country what it is,” he said.
Post Falls Mayor Ron Jacobson recounted his excitement when he got the phone call announcing the land donation.
“It was one of the best calls I’ve ever received,” he said.
Doyle’s twin brother, Don Jacklin, said the land had been in the family for decades. During the 1950s, the family made an “economic decision” to plant and sell Christmas trees from the site.
The venture didn’t last, but serendipitously the fully mature trees will now be enveloped into a peaceful walking park for veterans to enjoy.
“The old Christmas trees are standing tall like soldiers,” Don said.
The facility when complete will have 85,000 square-feet of living space with a residential neighborhood and community center.
Four household wings will each contain 16 private resident rooms and bathrooms. The community center plan includes a chapel, barber/beauty shop, bistro, activity center, sports club, therapy room and a gym.
“When this is done, it’s gonna be worth the wait,” Little said. “It will be a first-class facility.”
The project is expected to complete on time in the fall of 2022.