Members of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Veterans’ & Military Affairs Committee met with Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald Welch on Thursday morning for a tour in the Rocky Hill Veterans Home and the Levitow Healthcare Center.

The visit began in the Gold Star Families Auditorium, where committee members met with the commissioner and his staff to learn more about the services provided at the facility and ongoing projects aimed at better serving Connecticut’s Veteran population. Ranking Member of the Committee, State Rep. Mark Anderson, who is also a Veteran, participated in the tour.

“This tour provided an excellent opportunity to hear directly from the commissioner and on-site staff about future needs and the work being done to improve the quality of life for residents,” said Anderson. “Hundreds of Veterans rely on this facility and its services, which range from healthcare and vocational opportunities to housing.”

One of the primary challenges facing staff at the Rocky Hill campus is the need for significant upgrades to the 85-year-old facility. Many of the buildings were constructed in the early 1900s, with some infrastructure dating back to the 1930s and 1940s. From an architectural standpoint, keeping up with necessary improvements while working within a limited budget remains difficult.

Despite these challenges, staff have successfully leveraged American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support expansion projects, including the creation of short-term housing units for Veterans and their families. According to the department, approximately 10,000 Veterans accessed benefits they earned through their service—many of which are coordinated through the Rocky Hill facility.

“It was encouraging to visit the Levitow Healthcare Center and spend time with many of our Veterans,” Anderson added. “I had the privilege of meeting a 93-year-old Veteran who shared his experiences repairing tanks throughout Europe. The care being provided here clearly enhances the quality of life for the men and women who served our country. As we look ahead to the upcoming legislative session, I believe we can continue to prioritize funding to meet their needs.”

Looking forward, Commissioner Welch emphasized the importance of funding efforts that better connect Veterans with the services they have earned. While some municipalities maintain dedicated Veterans’ services offices, others do not—an issue that legislators may consider addressing during the upcoming legislative session, which begins in February.

###