Saturday, February 27th 2021, 10:09 am
The Ernest Childers Tulsa VA Clinic is working to give Green Country veterans the COVID-19 vaccine.
Waiting in line with a view of the American flag, hundreds of veterans received their doses Thursday.
"This is better than any candy I've ever had, and it will save your life,” Kenneth Campbell said.
Campbell served in the Army. Getting vaccinated means he is one step closer to spending more time with his kids.
"I let them come over, like, for Christmas. I handed their presents to them over the fence, I didn't let them come in the house. Because I was so scared you know. I mean, my wife's vulnerable and I didn't want to take a chance,” Campbell said.
Hairold Adam didn't want to take a chance, either. The Navy veteran got his second shot this week.
"I think God has taken care of me, no matter what,” Adam said.
Primary Care Nurse Manager Brandy Goodwin said they can vaccinate about 600 veterans a day at the Tulsa location, and about 400 more at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee.
“I am the happiest man in the world that this place is doing this for me, Kenneth Campbell said. “I don't have to drive to Muskogee.”
Goodwin said this week, the Tulsa VA Clinic opened appointments to veterans who are 50 and older, instead of 65.
"We've seen ages 50 plus, to 100, 101-year-old,” Goodwin said.
95-year-old Laroy Johnson served in WWII. He was a gunner on the B-24 and flew in 37 missions.
Now, nurses are on their own mission to help protect veterans from the virus.
"It's the smart thing to do, is the way I feel about it,” Johnson said.
"We're just happy to get it done and help our nation's veterans for everything that they've given up for us,” Goodwin said.
Vaccines are by appointment only and veterans can call 888-397-8387 to schedule an appointment. Clinics will be offered every week until they are no longer needed.
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