VA Hospital to Get New Name Today

VA Hospital to Get New Name Today


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(KSL News) After today, Salt Lake's VA Hospital will be history. That's because its getting a new name.

Senator Robert Bennett will be on hand later today to officially rename the hospital after George E. Wahlen.

Walen, a Utah war hero, is the only living recipient of The Congressional Medal of Honor in Utah.

This is what he had to say about the honor two months ago.

"I'm pretty modest... and I know I'm not going to change."

Wahlen was a medical corpsman during the battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. Seriously wounded three times in 26 days, Wahlen hid his injuries so he could stay and care for other wounded Marines.

For that he received America's highest military honor. But he's just as proud of how he's helped other Veterans.

George Walen: "I've worked for the Veterans Administration for about 14 years, and helping veterans, I always quite enjoyed it. I used to tell my wife I can't believe I'm paid for helping people every day, but I really did enjoy that."

That ceremony kicks off at 10:00.

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