Senator Murray’s Legislation to Dedicate Wenatchee VA Clinic to Elwood “Bud” Link Passes Senate

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) successfully passed legislation in the U.S. Senate to name the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Wenatchee in honor of Elwood “Bud” Link. Senator Murray, along with Congressman Doc Hastings (R- WA 4th), has worked to name the clinic in Link’s honor since before it opened for business in August 2007. The legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent.

"It is only fitting that the Wenatchee (CBOC) will soon bear the name of Bud Link, who was so instrumental in making it a reality," said Senator Murray. "This is a deserving honor for a man who fought so passionately for the needs of Wenatchee-area veterans. I have been proud to work with Congressman Hastings to honor Bud link’s lifetime of service to the Wenatchee community."

“Bud Link was a critical ally in bringing hometown health care to veterans in North Central Washington, and naming this clinic in his honor is an appropriate way to recognize his efforts," said Congressman Hastings.

Bud Link, a World War II veteran, had to drive 6 hours roundtrip to receive care through the VA.  In 2001 VFW Post 10445 created a health care committee that Bud Link led.  The committee investigated a variety of ways to improve VA accessibility, and eventually approached Senator Murray and Congressman Hastings with their findings.

The health care committee, working with Murray and Hastings, began pushing for a clinic to be located in North Central Washington.  Bud was instrumental in keeping the region’s veterans motivated, active, and informed about how to successfully make a clinic a reality.  Mr. Link championed the clinic until his death in 2003.

Murray and Hastings were able to work successfully to bring a Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Wenatchee in 2007 and shortly before it opened they began the effort to name it in Bud Link’s honor.

In May 2008, Murray and Hastings led the Washington state delegation in writing to the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees, to urge consideration of their legislation. The legislation was passed in the House of Representatives on June 26th, 2008 and passed the Senate today.

Senator Murray is a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. 

View the full text of the Murray-Hastings bill.