Oklahoma Veterans Ctr

Pros

• The center is described as a beautiful, serene place on top of the world.
• The dementia facility is praised as excellent and more beautiful than any the reviewer has seen.
• Substantial work has been done on the center, improving it significantly.
• The grounds are beautifully maintained.
• It is regarded as a great historical facility with excellent care for veterans.
• It is seen as a tranquil place that veterans would want to rely on for care if needed.

Cons

• The reviewer views the Talihina Veterans Center as being wastefully destroyed and considers the closure unnecessary, a waste of taxpayer money.
• The reviewer asserts the closure movement is driven by political agendas rather than true need.
• The reviewer claims staffing problems were caused by ongoing closure statements and by policies that pressured on-site physicians to pay large sums for houses that had previously been part of compensation packages for 24/7 availability.
• The reviewer alleges corruption, noting that a former governor closed a VA facility and a related individual purchased it.
• The reviewer describes the building as old and run-down.
• The reviewer urges following the money to uncover the truth and questions the justification behind the decision to close.

Review

Talihina Veterans Center emerges in these reflections as more than a facility on a hilltop; it is described as a beautiful, serene refuge that feels almost perched on the world, a place worth preserving for the veterans who pass through its doors and for the employees who dedicate their lives there. One longtime RN and nurse manager, with 42 years in nursing, management, and psychiatric care, speaks with pride about the center's history and its apparent resilience. The writer argues that closing or dismantling such an excellent facility would be a wasteful destruction, a sentiment born of firsthand experience with its history, its dementia unit, and the seemingly tranquil atmosphere that distinguishes Talihina from other nursing environments. The author paints the center as a "great historical facility," noting that despite accidents and political noise, the care delivered here has stood out as exemplary.

On the question of whether the center should remain open, the reviews combine sharp emotion with a call for careful scrutiny. There is a strong sense that political pressures to close Talihina VA have persisted for a long time, and that the center's value has been proven in practice by those who work there and by the outcomes they've observed. The reviewer maintains that the dementia unit is not only excellent in its care but also more beautiful than comparable facilities seen elsewhere, highlighting the care quality and the careful planning that went into the renovations and the overall campus. In this view, any push to shutter the facility is misdirected, and the financial and logistical costs of closing are questioned - described as unnecessary and wasteful at the hands of taxpayers.

Some passages pull back the curtain on the practical and perceived consequences of closure rumors. The author contends that staffing problems often appear only because a closure is talked about or anticipated. They point to a cycle in which rumors lead to reduced staffing stability, which then translates into concerns about resident care and satisfaction scores. There is also a pointed critique of the broader political and financial environment surrounding the campus, including mentions of physicians living on the Talihina site and of compensation arrangements tied to 24-hour availability. The reviewer even cites a personal impression that a former governor's actions affected similar facilities elsewhere, suggesting a pattern of political moves that influence the center's fate. Yet even amid those concerns, the author emphasizes that Talihina remains a peaceful, welcoming place for veterans - one of the few that can rival the serenity sought by those who live and work there.

A thread of faith and perseverance weaves through the remarks as well. The reviewer writes, "Nothing is impossible with GOD," a refrain that underscores a hopeful, almost spiritual resolve to keep the center intact, to keep the doors open, and to continue to support residents and staff. This line of conviction sits alongside practical observations about the grounds, which are described as beautifully maintained and a testament to the care poured into the property. The author's appreciation for the meticulous landscaping and the sense of order on the campus reinforces a broader message: Talihina is more than a building; it is a living community that honors its purpose and its people.

Other reflections shift to the broader atmosphere of the campus and its role within the local region. The center is praised for its tranquil ambiance, one that stands out within the sometimes harsh reality of elder care. The author notes that in a country that honors veterans, it is heartening to find places like Talihina where veterans can be cared for with dignity and respect. The praise extends to the physical campus - grounds that appear well-kept, architectural features that convey history, and a sense of community that seems embedded in the town itself. The sentiment is less about weighing numbers and more about preserving a haven that veterans deserve.

Several portions of the account pivot to personal experiences of arrival and exploration around the campus. One veteran describes visiting yesterday while looking for land to build a cabin near Brandon, finding the building itself older and somewhat weathered, yet with a newer structure perched on the hill. Be quiet signs and a sense of mystery or quiet reverence around the property contribute to a feeling that Talihina sits at a crossroads of history, memory, and ongoing care. The author plans to research further, signaling that the center remains a subject of curiosity, pride, and ongoing dialogue about its future.

In another vignette, a veteran who happens to be passing by while pursuing a bit of night photography or exploring nearby lakes reflects on the center's small-town feel. The narrative notes that there are multiple buildings on the campus - business-type structures alongside a visitors center - and that the Harper Building on the southern edge of the property holds particular interest for this observer. Although time did not permit a thorough stop, the reviewer left with impressions of a place that blends practical care with a sense of historical charm, a place that invites deeper exploration and consideration.

Taken together, these voices present a powerful portrait of Talihina Veterans Center as a cherished, multi-faceted institution. It is depicted as a sanctuary for veterans, a well-kept and dignified complex with a strong record - especially in dementia care - that commands respect within the veterans' community. They argue that closing or altering the center would be a loss not only of care quality but of a historical and cultural touchstone for veterans and their families. The collective tone is one of pride, protective advocacy, and a hopeful belief in the center's ongoing relevance, stability, and service to those who have served.

The area of Talihina, Oklahoma, where these amenities are located appears to offer a mix of convenience and opportunities for social engagement. With a variety of restaurants nearby such as Subway, DeLoach’s Cajun Cuisine, and Pam's Diner, residents can enjoy a diverse range of dining options. Places of worship like First Baptist Church and God's Country Cowboy Church provide opportunities for spiritual fulfillment. Additionally, pharmacies such as Lawson Pharmacy are conveniently located for any health needs. For recreation, parks like Talimena National Scenic Byway and Kiamichi Valley War Memorial offer beautiful outdoor spaces for leisurely walks or picnics. The presence of healthcare facilities like Choctaw Nation Health Care Center ensures accessible medical services in the vicinity. Overall, this part of Talihina seems to offer a well-rounded community with essential amenities for senior living.

Restaurants

• Subway (0 miles)
• DeLoach’s Cajun Cuisine (0 miles)
• Treats and Treasures (0 miles)
• Pam's Diner (0.1 miles)
• Higher Grounds Coffee House (0.1 miles)
• Donut Depot (0.1 miles)
• El Rancho Mexican Grill (0.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Kiamichi Baptist Assembly (0.1 miles)
• First Baptist Church (0.1 miles)
• First United Methodist Church (0.1 miles)
• Valley Christian Church (0.2 miles)
• God's Country Cowboy Church (0.2 miles)
• St Catherine's Of Siena (0.2 miles)
• Assembly of God Church (0.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Lawson Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• Main Street Drug Store (19 miles)
• Roy's Discount Pharmacy (19.2 miles)

Parks

• Talimena National Scenic Byway (0.4 miles)
• Kiamichi Valley War Memorial (0.7 miles)
• Robbers Cave State Park (18.8 miles)
• Robbers Cave State Park (19.1 miles)
• Wister Pride Park (23.7 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (0.8 miles)

Cafes

• Bell's Kitchen (0.9 miles)
• Chahta Grill (1.8 miles)
• Alpine Ice (19.2 miles)
• D & J Bait N Grub (23.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Choctaw Nation Health Care Center (2.1 miles)
• Latimer County General Hospital (19.3 miles)

Physicians

• Magnus Ryan Dr Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority Psychiatry Talihina (2.7 miles)
• Woodruff Family Medical Clinic (19 miles)