As we honor our nation's military veterans Nov. 11, I wanted to share with you some important information that will directly affect those who have worn our nation's uniform and their families.  Two new out-patient facilities are going to make life better for a lot of people in the 12th Congressional District.

Congressman Putnam meets with military veterans and their familes in Lakeland  recently.

As you read this, a new outpatient clinic has opened near Lakeland that is more than twice as big as the previous facility. The new community-based outpatient clinic is just to the west of Lakeland, at 4237 S. Pipkin Road. 

Early next year, this facility will expand as a second building opens right next door to provide services for mental health, audiology, speech pathology, radiology, podiatry and rehabilitation.

Combined the two buildings will offer five-times more space than the previous facility.  Veterans officials tell me they expect more than 25,000 more patient visits in 2009. Their goal is to be able to provide primary care for all of Polk County's military veterans.

A lot of people remember when it was a pipe dream to get a VA facility of any sort that was more accessible to the military veterans of Polk and eastern Hillsborough counties. Now the VA is expanding to provide more and better services. Our military veterans deserve this, and I'm so pleased to see it becoming reality here.

New facility in South Hillsborough County

In addition to the new facility on Pipkin Road, a new outpatient clinic to serve military veterans in South Hillsborough County is on track.  I was proud to vote to authorize the 50,000 square-foot facility earlier this year. When it opens sometime in 2011, the new clinic is expected to improve medical service to about 10,000 military veterans in Hillsborough County.

VA officials say they hope to be able to announce a location in South Hillsborough County for the new clinic later next year.

Contact me for help on veterans matters

One of the proudest duties I have as a member of Congress is to help our military veterans get the care and benefits they deserve.  I have dedicated staff in my office here to help navigate the sometimes complicated ways of the federal government and Veterans Administration.

If you need help, or if you know a veteran who does, please contact my district office toll free at (800) 534-3530 and ask for my military veterans caseworker.  Well get right to work on helping you.

And you dont have to be a veteran to get help.  If you need help with any agency of the federal government, please contact my office.  We are here to serve you.

Sincerely yours, Adam H. Putnam,
Member of Congress