Veterans Council

The Veterans Council is a major supporter of Clay Veterans, Inc. and its Veteran Center

Taking Care of Veterans

Veterans Council of Clay County Florida wants to spread our message of taking care of Veterans and their Families. We believe that a single action can make a difference in the welfare of Veterans, and that collective action can greatly impact our community.

Champion the Veterans Center
Conduct fundraising activities
Increase communication and Veteran knowledge
Cultivate partnerships

Our Story

The Clay County Veterans Council has been advocating for Clay County’s veterans since 2008.

In 2020, we were proud to cut the ribbon at the Andrew K. Baker VA Clinic on College Avenue in Middleburg—a milestone achieved through years of unified advocacy with the Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Veterans Affairs to bring these vital services to our community.

We continue to actively monitor the County’s Veterans Service Officer (VSO) program and regularly work with County leadership to encourage the timely filling of open positions, helping ensure that veterans receive the assistance and representation they deserve.

VISION
To take care of Veterans and their families: we must always keep the faith with them

MISSION
To unify actions amongst Veteran supporting organizations to promote the welfare of Veterans and their Families in Clay County for our 30,000-plus local Veterans

PURPOSE
Veterans Council Clay County Florida, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization organized to promote the welfare of Veterans.

General meetings held once a month on the first Wednesday at 11:00 and are hosted by American Legion Post 250 at 2608 Black Creek Drive, Middleburg, FL 32068

Member Organizations

American Legion Post 250
American Legion Post 373
Clay Veterans, Inc. (formerly Clay County Center for Veterans, Inc)
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 38
Fleet Reserve Association Branch 126
Operation Barnabas
Operation Lifeline, Inc.
U.S. Marine Corps League General Roy. S. Geiger Detachment 1047
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1988
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5968
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8255
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8255, Auxiliary
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8255, Riders Group

Walking with Warriors
Associate Members:
1 (904) FLORIDA, LLC
Clay Chamber of Commerce
Here Tomorrow
Max Healthcare Innovations
Provisional Patriots, LTD
Senior Helpers
Whole Cyber Human Initiative, Inc.
Vets S.O.S. Podcast

2026 Initiatives

What's new?
Veterans Council Clay County Florida, Inc. is committed to raising funds to support Clay Veterans Center’s operations and key programs. Note: all contributions are used for the purpose designated in donation. Undesignated funds are maintained in the Veterans Council Clay County Florida, Inc. Operational Fund, while designated gifts (e.g., Open-Door Program, VRAP, Online Connections) are used exclusively to support those programs.

‍Coffee Break: Invitation to “Coffee Break” (a Veterans Council Clay County Engagement Program) - Veterans and family are invited to a free coffee for camaraderie, assistance, and information. Let's Talk! Meet other Veterans interested in improving the welfare of Clay County Veterans. Third Wednesday of the month, 9:00 – 10:00 at Black Rifle Coffee Company, 1619 County Road 220, Fleming Island. RSVP at info@ClayVeterans.com

‍Veteran Vehicle Repair Assistance Program (This program is paused) helps low-income veterans stay on the road by providing up to $1,000 for essential car repairs. With 1,000 veterans in Clay County living below the poverty line, a broken car can mean lost jobs, missed medical care, and even homelessness. By partnering with local repair shops, we’re not just fixing cars—we’re keeping veterans moving toward stability. Join us in driving change, one repair at a time.

‍Currently raising funds to support all programs.

Meet the Board of Directors

John Ruark, President

U. S. Navy (retired)

Words cannot describe the role that "Big John" Ruark has had in ensuring the success of the Veterans Council Clay County Florida Inc. His service, not only to the Navy as a serviceman but also as a Navy Civilian spanned 40 years. His clear communications with member organizations means that he is one of our greatest assets in listening to the pressing needs of Veterans.

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Matthew Mitchell, Vice President

U. S. Marine Corp (retired)

Matthew Mitchell is heavily involved in the Veteran community, serving as Operations Manager for Walking with Warriors, as well as volunteering many hours of his time to the VFW Post 8255 to improve their facilities. He is an active member in the First Baptist Church of Middleburg and strives to help Veterans feel welcomed and heard as members. He offers a deliberate and careful skill-set that willy surely provide a positive impact on the Clay County Veteran Community.

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Matthew Garrison, Secretary

U. S. Navy (retired)

Matthew brings an host of new skills needed to professionalize Council operations. He serves as a volunteer for Here Tomorrow, a local nonprofit who's mission is to transform lives by building a community where suicide prevention is accessible without barriers. His experiences and dedication to Veterans are invaluable to the success of the mission. He is excited to begin the journey and take care of Veterans.

Harry Silvers, Vice President

U. S. Marine Corps and U. S. Navy (retired)

An invaluable part of the Veterans Council, Harry Silvers has witnessed the continued evolution of the organization from the start. His 20 years of military experience enhanced his ability to stay the course and his loyalty and dedication to the mission ensured the organization survived COVID. As Past President, his service continues as he advises the organization on the path forward.