Vets home builds observation pavilion

They fought for our freedom. It's time to give a little back.

Rain or shine, residents of the Missouri Veterans' Home will soon be able to enjoy the independence of watching traffic on North Kingshighway and Interstate 55 from a much more comfortable and safer vantage point.

Construction of a 12-foot by 50-foot wheelchair-accessible observation pavilion directly in front of the facility is complete except for wiring the ceiling fans, according to Ken Lipps, a spokesman for the veterans' home.

"I have been waiting for this for a long time. I think I even suggested it," said Bobby Pierce, a veterans' home resident who can be found outside every day during the warm seasons.

According to Lipps, the home gets quite a few calls from concerned drivers when they notice Pierce napping outside in his wheelchair with his chin resting on his chest. Pierce said people even drive up to check on him themselves, and he appreciates that.

"You get kind of confined in here all the time. It feels good to get outside," Pierce said. "It reminds me of things, and I see my kids go by. They know where I'm at. They look for me."

Considered for five years

Previously, the only way for residents, many of them in wheelchairs, to see the highways was to stand or park their wheelchairs in the driveway. The idea of a pavilion came out of the home's Resident Council, which meets once a month. The council works with the home's social workers, activity coordinator and Lipps to address resident questions, comments or concerns.

The pavilion has been in consideration for the past five years and was approved for construction in fiscal year 2002-2003. Officially opening Nov. 19, the new structure will be furnished with eight chairs and two tables. Two big stop signs will also be placed along the driveway in front of the pavilion entrance to help ensure resident safety.

"It's another passive activity that is out of doors that residents can take advantage of most days of the year, except stormy or extremely cold days," Lipps said. "Somebody will be out there 300 of 365 days of the year, and some days we'll wish it was bigger."

According to Charles Clippard, current Resident Council president, the highways are not the only item of interest out front of the veterans home. Residents can also see into Cape County Park North, catch a glimpse of some deer in the field across North Kingshighway and watch road construction crews at work. Clippard and Lipps also anticipate the new pavilion will be a good place to play cards and for residents, families and other visitors to meet.

Of the 149 veterans living at the veterans' home, 43 were front-line combat soldiers and five are female. Nine were awarded the Purple Heart.

"This pavilion gives our residents another option, another choice, a little bit more freedom," Lipps said.

jgosche@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133