Veteran Services Available in Polk

Polk County is veteran-rich, both for its climate and other amenities for the retired veterans and for its many reserve and national guard units that have participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The county has more than 71,000 military veterans, ranging from World War II combatants to those recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan.

It also has a large number of veterans' organizations to help with everything from social activities to finding help for veterans in need.

The Polk County Veterans Service Office also provides a number of services from information about medical and Veterans Administration help to aiding in benefits and job searches.

Additionally, many of the veterans organizations provide individual help in the form of job searches or counseling either at the local level or through their national organizations.

The Polk County Veterans Council's site has information about veteran services and issues, and contact information for veteran organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Corps League and other groups.

To learn more about specific veterans organizations in your area or to find out about veterans benefits, go to www.polkveteranscouncil.org.

Or contact the Polk County Veterans Service Office at 863-534-5220. Its site is www.polkcounty.ne.gov/veterans.html.

A veterans' clinic at 4237 S. Pipkin Road in Lakeland is operated by the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa.

The clinic is staffed by six physicians, mental health practitioners, a dietician, a podiatrist, psychologists and audiologists from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, except for holidays.

The phone number is 863-701-2470.

The website is www.tampa.va.gov/visitors/lakeland.asp.

Title	City
Veterans Clinic (Operated by the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital)	Lakeland