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Celebrating Sam Rayburn Memorial VA’s 75th anniversary
By VA North Texas Health Care System
Oct 27, 2026
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Ceremony recognizes the 75th anniversary
of Sam Rayburn VA Medical Center

Bonham, Texas -- VA North Texas Health Care System will commemorate 75 years of serving veterans in Bonham, Texas, at a ceremony beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, with VA leadership, local government officials, community partners, veteran advocates, former operations managers, and family members in attendance.

Expected attendees include; representatives from VA North Texas Health Care System; Choctaw Nation Veteran Advocate Harlen Wright and three additional representatives; Bonham Mayor Allen Sanderson; City Manager Sean Pate; Economic Director William Myers; County Commissioner Doug Kopf; Police Chief Andrew Hawkes; Sheriff Cody Shook; former operations managers James Douglas and Elizabeth Dannel; and JB McNatty, the oldest enrolled veteran.

For 75 years, the Sam Rayburn VA Medical Center has played an important role in serving veterans in Bonham, Texas, and the surrounding North Texas communities. Since welcoming its first residents in 1951, the facility has continued a legacy of care rooted in a commitment to those who served our nation. The 75th anniversary celebration will honor that history, recognize the employees and community partners who have helped shape its mission, and reflect on the continued importance of providing care and support to veterans for generations to come.

About Sam Rayburn Memorial VA Medical Center

The Sam Rayburn VA Medical Center in Bonham, Texas, has a long history of serving veterans dating back to efforts by local community leaders in 1943 to establish a VA facility in the area. Construction began in 1948, and the facility officially opened in November 1951, with U.S. House Speaker Sam Rayburn serving as the keynote speaker.

In 1973, the center was renamed the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center in his honor. In November 1996, it became part of the VA North Texas Health Care System, continuing its commitment to providing care and services to veterans throughout the region.

About VA North Texas Health Care System

VA North Texas Health Care System is one of the largest and most comprehensive VA healthcare networks in the nation, providing care to more than 235,000 Veterans across 38 counties in Texas and two counties in southern Oklahoma. VA North Texas is dedicated to honoring America’s veterans by delivering exceptional health care, supportive services, and community partnerships that enhance the well-being of those who have served.