Veterans Council Clay County Florida, Inc

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.

Strategic Goals:

Champion Center for Veterans
Conduct Fundraising Activities
Increase Communications and Veteran Knowledge
Cultivate Partnerships

Who we are

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. (the "Council", "VCCCF, Inc." or "corporation") is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable purposes to promote the welfare of Veterans under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code."

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

2025 Initatives -
Clay Veterans Center and Veterans Vehicle Repair Assistance Program

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.

Veteran Vehicle Repair Assistance Program (VRAP) 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.

Member Organizations

As of July 7, 2025

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

Board of Directors (2025 - 2026)

John Ruark

John Ruark, U. S. Navy, (Retired)

President (2025 - )

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.

Matthew Mitchell, U. S. Marine Corps (Retired)

Vice President

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.

Matthew Garrision, U. S. Navy, (Retired)

Secretary

A new member of the organization, 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.

Jessica Polvikoski, Major, Florida Army National Guard, (Retired)

Treasurer

With the organization for several years, Jessica Polvikoski is one of our veteran members and has played a critical role in shaping our mission and projects. She brings 32 years of military experience and skills in helping VCCCF grow and make a measurable impact.

Harry Silvers, U. S. Marine Corps and U. S. Navy, (Retired)

Chairman (2018 - 2022)
President Emeritus

An invaluable part of VCCCF, 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.

Ansil Lewis, SgtMaj, U. S. Marine Corps (Retired)

Past President (2022 - 2025)

An invaluable part of the Veterans Council Clay County Florida, Inc., Ansil Lewis has witnessed significant growth within the VCCCF. With 30 plus years of service and a gregarious and welcoming personality, Ansil Lewis' leadership enabled the many Veteran Service Organizations to feel welcomed and heard as members. He offers a unique skill-set that ensures an undeniable impact on the Clay County Veteran Community.

Veteran 2023 Census
Data.census.gov 2023 Clay County Veterans

15.9% of Clay County Population are Veterans

46.8% of Clay Veterans have a service connected disability

34.5% are aged 65 or older

56.7% are aged 36 - 64

8.7% are aged 18 - 34

83.9% are Male

16.1% are Female

Timeline 2019 - 2023

Updates coming soon.

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Timeline 2008 - 2019

Clay County Veterans Council (CCVC) was founded in 2008 by Gary Newman, President, VVA Chapter 1059; V. Paul Haws, Jr, Vice President, VVA Chapter 1059; Sid Sewell (Deceased), Member, VVA Chapter 1059; Bill Hansen, Commander, VFW Post 5968 (Deceased); and Steve Snyder, Commander, VFW Post 8255 because of a tepid response from for Clay County Officials during an initial meeting about two main issues: 1) Vacant County Veterans Service Officer (VSO) and 2) the needed relocation of the County VSO office.

Within weeks of organizational founding, a second meeting with Clay County Officials was held and when confronted with a formal united organizational front initiated action to immediately fill the vacant VSO position and relocate the VSO office to Green Cove. The Clay County Veterans Council again addressed vacant VSO positions in 2013 and championed a Veterans Health Clinic in Clay County with the Veterans Administration and Congressional representatives - which opened in 2020.

By the end of June 2013, the CCVC published the organizational By-Laws, and was established as a Non-Profit Service Organization.

Information provided by V. Paul Haws Jr, CAPT, U. S. Navy (Retired)