S&P Breaks Ground on the Fort Bliss Intrepid Spirit Center
Patriotic melodies drifted through the radiant, cloudless sky welcoming Satterfield & Pontikes (S&P) and other honored guests to the groundbreaking of the Intrepid Spirit Center. Music was provided by the 1st Armored Division Band on the future site of the facility at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.
Developed by the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a New York based not-for profit, the new healthcare facility will provide comprehensive care to active-duty United States military personnel diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). S&P has been selected to provide Construction Management Services for the new Intrepid Spirit Center.
“This project represents the final phase of the realization of Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund’s goal to build ten world-class facilities to provide critically needed care to military service members,” commented Alan Sparn, Program Manager with Wright-Ryan. “We are proud to entrust delivery of this project to Jeff Brooks and the S&P team. Their skill, expertise and passion for this project makes them the right partner to help bring our client’s vision to fruition.”
With hundreds of thousands of military personnel diagnosed with TBI or PTSD since 2000, this new, $13M facility will continue the mission of providing the most advanced care available to service members in addressing their symptoms.
“It is an incredible honor for S&P to be part of such an important endeavor to bring advanced treatment for the invisible wounds of war to West Texas,” said Jeff Brooks, FACHE, S&P Vice President and leader of the company’s Healthcare Center of Excellence. “Having many veterans within our company and our families, we feel a great connection to this project. Our team has been deeply touched and inspired by the patient stories and positive outcomes the Intrepid Spirit Centers provide. We are excited to help the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund extend their incredible mission and expand care at Fort Bliss.”
“TBIs and PTSD are very complex,” stated Dr. Sebesta, Chief, Department of Traumatic Brain Injury. “You don’t know when you’ve just developed post-traumatic stress symptoms. They don’t announce themselves as an entity or illness.”
Captain Jorge Rossell (Ret.) spoke of his own personal journey with TBI, aided by Dr. Sebesta, and his ability to find a new path in life after recovery. “I wanted to help other service members that were battling with their own handicapped faculties. Being present and speaking at this event is a situation I never dreamed possible. It is still inspiring to me to be able to experience this opportunity from both the patient and provider viewpoints. This center will provide another chance for a new life for countless service members that have earned the right for a new beginning and to live out their dreams.”
“This newest Intrepid Spirit Center, like the nine that came before, will be a beautiful building specifically designed around patient centered interdisciplinary model of care,” remarked David Winter, President, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. “Down to the paint scheme and the artwork on the walls, all designed to create a soothing and healing atmosphere. We will ensure that it opens ready to support our heroes in uniform. They deserve the best care possible, and we are committed to bringing it to them.”
Intrepid Spirit Centers bring together many treatment disciplines under one roof, including neurology, psychiatry, ophthalmology, speech pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and integrative treatments, such as music and art therapy, mindfulness and yoga.
“I want to express a special appreciation for our construction managers, Satterfield and Pontikes,” said Winters upon accepting a donation to the fund from S&P’s CEO, George Pontikes. “All of the money to build this center has come from the American people, our fellow citizens, who are willing to give because they care about our service members who have sacrificed so much for our nation. The supporters come from all across America and from the local community here in Texas.”
Initial site work for the facility has already begun and project completion is estimated for Fall 2023. Architectural services have been provided by The SmithGroup in Washington, DC.
To learn more about the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and Intrepid Spirit Centers, please visit www.fallenheroesfund.org.
January 23, 2023
