1943 Press Photo Patients rest and relax outside Fort Story Hospital building

Army Colonel named George West, a sunny rehabilitation center now sends our fighting men forth from the Fort Storey Hospital in record time. When Colonel West, commanding officer of the Station Hospital, noticed that a section of the former Seashore State Park was not in use, he applied for and received permission from the Governor of Virginia to turn the ground and building present into a rehabilitation area for convalescing service men at the Fort Storey Hospital. With a bulldozer and rotary power sweeper, a detail of men quickly whisked out blanketing sand and with a little paint, the center was ready now, about 150 men treat themselves to a dose of sunshine and as much exercise as possible at the center which houses a mess hall, kitchen, PX, an athletic equipment room, dispensary, showers and exercise fields. The patients journey to and from the hospital via bus and once at the center they pitch in and do most of the work themselves. There are only three enlisted men on duty and the convalescing fighters are allowed to do as they please except for compulsory drill for those who are able, this exclusive Acme layout shows some of the projects of the patients at the center, the only one of its kind on the east Coast. During the rest period, the patients take life easy in front of one of the attractive buildings at the rest center. Patients or whom the doctors have prescribed rest and relaxation only sit around in the sun all day, reading or writing letters.

Photo is dated 1943.

Photo measures 9 x 7 inches.