BUTLER TWP — VA Butler Healthcare's Community Living Center will be formally named after a Vietnam veteran from Bruin during a ceremony later this month.

The naming ceremony to enshrine Sgt. Joseph George Kusick as the CLC's new namesake will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 13, in the auditorium of the VA's New Castle Road Campus, the system announced Wednesday morning.

David Cord, the director of the VA Butler Healthcare, called Kusick, who was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for personal valor in combat, a hero whose name deserves to be remembered.

“Sergeant Kusick was a true patriot, and I am honored that VA Butler Healthcare can play a small role in ensuring he is always remembered for his service and sacrifice,” Cord said.

Kusick died on Nov. 8, 1967, while serving as a radio operator with an Army Green Beret special forces reconnaissance team in Laos. The team came under attack and Kusick was wounded in the ambush, but refused to evacuate and directed helicopter landings to evacuate other soldiers.

Kusick managed to board the final helicopter, but was killed when it was shot down by Viet Cong forces.

The naming ceremony will include a tribute to Kusick, remarks by VA officials, a keynote address by Congressman Mike Kelly, R-3, and more.

Tours of the 60-bed CLC will also be available following the ceremony.