TYLER, Feb. 17, 2012-- After surviving the battle of Okinawa, Willard Kirkpatrick was packing up and preparing for the invasion of Japan when President Harry Truman dropped the “big bombs” on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, said his son, Wayne.
 
Kirkpatrick — like thousands of other Texas veterans — was ready to give his life in service to our nation. He had already earned a Purple Heart.
 
Nearly 68 years later, Texas is paying back a debt to the life-long resident of Hawkins.
 
At 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Kirkpatrick will be the first resident admitted to the Watkins-Logan-Garrison Texas State Veterans Home in Tyler. Members of the American Legion will be on hand to welcome him home and staff will join Kirkpatrick’s family for lunch.
 
Texas State Veterans Homes offer a broad spectrum of health care services, comprehensive rehabilitation programs, special diets, recreational activities, social services, libraries, and certified, secured Alzheimer’s units, each with its own secured outdoor courtyard.
 
For additional information on Texas State Veterans Homes and special home, land, and home improvement loans for Texas veterans, call 800-252-VETS (800-252-8387) or visit our Web site at www.texasveterans.com.