Veterans Council Clay County Florida, Inc.
(904) 375-1354
(904) 658-0105
About Veterans Council Clay
Vision:
Clay County will be recognized as a model community that unifies, informs, and advocates effectively for its veterans and their families through coordinated leadership and a strong coalition of veterans’ organizations.
Mission:
To unite and strengthen veterans’ organizations in Clay County through coordinated leadership, informed advocacy, and collaborative action that improves the lives of veterans and their families.
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
Exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)3 as a nonprofit public charity
Veterans Day 5k 2025 Sponsors
Member Organizations
Constituant Member Organizations:
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American Legion Post 250
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American Legion Post 373
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Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 38
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U.S. Marine Corps League, Detachment 1047
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Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1988
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Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5968
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Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8255
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Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8255, Riders Group
Affilated Member Organizations:
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Clay Veterans, Inc.
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Fleet Reserve Association Branch 126
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Operation Barnabas
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Operation Lifeline, Inc.
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Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8255, Auxiliary
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Walking with Warriors
Professional Member Organizations:
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1 (904) FLORIDA, LLC
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Clay Chamber of Commerce
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Here Tomorrow
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Max Healthcare Innovations
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Provisional Patriots, LTD
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Senior Helpers
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Whole Cyber Human Initiative, Inc.
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Vets S.O.S. Podcast
Strategic Initatives
Clay Veterans Center
Clay Veterans Center. Veterans Council Clay County Florida, Inc. is committed to raising funds to sustain Clay Veterans Center’s operations and key programs. Click here to donate to this initative: ClayVeteransCenter
Clay Veterans Day 5K 2026
November 14th, 3rd Annual Veterans Day 5k 2026 will be "Tougher Than You Think"! While the location is still to be determined, we are sure it will be just as much fun as the last two years. Keep a close eye out for Sponsor and Vendor announcements and volunteer requests. Click here for more information: ClayVetsDay5k26
Coffee Break 2026
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!
Third Wednesday of the month, 9:00 – 10:00 at Black Rifle Coffee Company, 1619 County Road 220, Fleming Island. RSVP at CoffeeBreak26
Veterans Vehicle Repair Assistance Program 2026
Veteran Vehicle Repair Assistance Program (VVRAP) (This program is paused ~ awaiting funding) 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. Contact: vetcouncil@vcccf.com if interested in assisting with funding procurement
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 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 acertaining the pressing and unmet needs of Veterans. John's effective implementation of Veteran Council Clay's Strategic Plan 2021 - 2025 led to the establishment of Clay Veterans Center in 2025.
Matthew Garrison, Secretary
U. S. Navy (retired)
Matthew Garrison has made a tremoundous impact on the veterans in Clay County since taking office in 2025. As a case manager for Mission United and volunteer with Here Tomorrow, he consistently exhibits compassion and care for veterans at their most vulnerable. His professional skills, knowledge, and experience have brought a new level of technological integration to Council operations. His dedication to Veterans is invaluable to the success of the mission.
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 provides a positive impact on the Clay County Veteran Community.
Jessica Polvikoski, Treasurer
U. S. Army (retired)
Jessica Polvikoski has played a key leadership role in strengthening the Veterans Council Clay County Florida through strategic planning, financial oversight, and community collaboration. She has strengthened governance practices and worked to increase visibility of veteran issues across Clay County. Her efforts have focused on building sustainable partnerships, improving organizational structure, and ensuring the Council remains a unified voice advocating for veterans and their families.