NEW "VET CENTER" WILL SERVE COMBAT VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Washington, Feb 14, 2007 - "I am pleased to announce that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is bringing its vet center program to Gainesville," state Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "These vets center are valuable resources for veterans returning from the global war on terror and for their families. Vet centers are community-based facilities that provide counseling on mental health and employment, and deliver services on family issues, education, bereavement, and outreach. Veterans who served in combat are eligible for free care at vet centers."

The VA is opening 23 vet centers throughout the nation over the next two year, with the one in Gainesville planned for 2007. Small teams of counselors, outreach specialists and other specialists staff these centers; many are former combat veterans. There are currently 13 vet centers in Florida.