NORTHFIELD - Federal, county and local officials helped cut the ribbon Monday during a grand-opening ceremony for the new Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Northfield.

The 10,000-square-foot facility, which replaces one in Ventnor, opened Dec. 5 and is three times larger than the old facility. The clinic offers services for women's health, lab work, and diabetic, retinal and dermatological screening and diagnostics, all designed to reduce the need to travel to the Wilmington VA Medical Center in Delaware.

Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson and Northfield Mayor Vince Mazzeo joined the bipartisan group of officials in attendance for the ribbon-cutting.

"I couldn't think of a better way to start the new year than with a great new facility for our veterans," said U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J. "It's a big step, but in my view it's only one step. There's still more we can and must do to make sure all New Jersey veterans have access to the health care they need."

Menendez also called for increased employment and educational opportunities for veterans, citing his support for a veterans jobs bill and the 21st Century G.I. Bill.

"A grateful nation ultimately shows its gratitude by how we take care of health care of veterans, (disabled veterans) and how we take care of the loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us," Menendez said.

Menendez praised U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, as a partner in increasing health care options for veterans, adding that they are working to allow Shore Medical Center in Somers Point to provide dialysis services for veterans.

LoBiondo talked about the years of planning that went into moving the clinic, telling those assembled that "when we got approvals, we didn't get the money. We'd slide over to another session, and we had the money but didn't get the approvals. Finally we were able to get the stars, sun and moon in alignment."

LoBiondo also praised the Atlantic County Veterans Advisory Board for its help in choosing the location on New Road, cited by officials as being more centrally located and more easily reachable by public transportation.

"You've gone through so much that a lot of us won't ever be able to know or understand," LoBiondo told the veterans in attendance, including American Legion Riders Chapter 352, which presented the flags, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 228 and Korean War Veterans Association of Atlantic County Chapter 234, which provided an honor guard. "This is for you, to know that we followed through on promises that were made."

The facility received mostly good reviews from vets. Arnold Carr, of Woodbine, a member of American Legion Post 298, said he had yet to take the tour, "but it's going to be put to good use. That I know."

Russell S. Robinson, the Atlantic County American Legion Commander, called the facility "a beautiful place. ... There were quite a few things not offered at the (old) VA clinic that are offered here. I haven't gone over all of them, but it seems like an exciting list."

Rhonda Hood, of Pleasantville, who served in Iraq with the 328th Engineer Company of the Army Reserve, said the fact that there was a women's health center was very convenient.

"The only other women's center was in Philadelphia," Hood said. "And a lot of young soldiers come back and they have no idea. ... We have to spread the word about what's available."

VA spokesman Charles Quesenberry echoed that sentiment.

"We see 51 percent of eligible veterans in our area," Quesenberry said. "The other 49 percent is still out there. If you have friends and relatives who are veterans who haven't gone to the VA, tell them we're here. We want to see them."