SAN ANTONIO — The final moments of the historic Old Wilford Hall were captured as crews demolished the facility - marking a significant milestone in redevelopment efforts at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
Thomas Harrell is the commander of the 59th medical wing for the facility.
"This place has been at the forefront of military medicine and frankly, medicine in general,” he said.
Harrell says in the early 1940’s a hospital was established and expanded significantly through the Korean War.
“From the historical perspective, this place is absolutely wedded to the Air Force Medical Service,” he said.
Eventually it became known as the ‘Wilford Hall Medical Center’. Former presidents were amongst millions who visited this facility. Project engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Frank Wilson says he was treated at the facility when he was on active duty.
“My son was born in Old Wilford Hall," Wilson said. "So it is a big deal.”
The facility was home to a lot of history.
“This was the home of aeromedical evacuation,” Harrell said.
Redevelopment efforts at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland are underway.
“So while this building is going down, the legacy of this building continues, in the new Wilford Hall Ambulatory Emergency Center and it’s sister facility right across town – the Brooke Army Medical Center.”
The Army Corps of Engineers says the building will remain standing roughly two more weeks. But the removal of debris will continue throughout the year – leaving behind decades of memories.
No plans have been given on what will be placed on the grounds after the remaining rubble has been removed. The main building's demolition is projected to be completed by May 20.
“It was a patient who had a mother or father here, or it was a staff member, that trained here," Harrell said. "Looking at the building coming down is a significant emotional event for them.”