Published: September 16, 2024
Bartow, Fla. (Sept. 16, 2024) – Polk County’s Veteran Services is providing services at the new Veterans Affairs clinic at 2080 Meadowland Park Blvd. in Lakeland. A Polk County Veterans Service officer will be stationed in office #2049 on the second floor from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Polk County’s Veterans Services Division has not had a presence in Lakeland since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The division worked with Congressman Scott Franklin to make this partnership happen.
“On behalf of Polk County Veteran Services, I look forward to a great partnership working in conjunction with the VA. We look forward to providing our Lakeland Veterans with the best possible assistance to maximize their benefits,” said Veteran Service Officer Joseph Lesniewicz. “It has been a long journey to have a VSO presence in Lakeland and we are thankful for the opportunity and grateful for Congressman Franklin’s help in this process.”
“As a fellow veteran, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate VA benefit claims and eligibility,” said Congressman C. Scott Franklin. “The advocacy and expertise of VSOs make all the difference in delivering personalized assistance on getting veterans and their families the benefits they deserve. I’m pleased my office and Polk County Veterans Services coordinated with the VA to secure an operating space to reestablish a Lakeland VSO presence. I’m confident Lakeland’s new VSO office will provide top-notch service for our nation’s heroes.”
The Florida Department of Veteran Affairs will staff the office from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays. Appointments are not needed. Veterans can simply walk in to receive assistance with VA benefits.