Clay County announces veteran, volunteer of the year, other awards at Touch A Truck event

Written by Laura Christmas

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- Clay County leaders recognized local veterans and community members for their outstanding service contributions in Clay County at Saturday's Touch A Truck event.

Retired United States Army Major Jessica Polvikoski is the 2025 Clay County Veteran of the Year, presented by VyStar, and Jenielle Holderfield is the 2025 Clay County Volunteer of the Year, presented by VyStar. Amaia Arteta is the 2025 Clay County Youth Volunteer of the Year.

Commissioners and VyStar recognized four individuals for their distinguished service in our communities. Retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Matt Flint, retired U.S. Army Specialist Kristle Helmuth, Brian Knight and Mary Medford received a Distinguished Service award for their continued impactful service to veterans, residents, and organizations in Clay County.

The Clay County Board of County Commissioners invited the community to provide nominations for these awards. A panel of county leaders and staff selected the winners.

Read on to see the bios of the winners

Clay County 2025 Veteran of the Year, Presented by VyStar:

Retired United States Army Major Jessica Polvikoski is the president of Clay Veterans, Inc. She played a central role in turning the long-standing vision of a local veteran's center into a reality. Her leadership, initiative, and personal commitment have helped create a welcoming place where veterans can connect with resources, find camaraderie, and feel supported by their community.

Jessica developed the VetTech Program, which helps veterans navigate essential online systems such as VA.gov, ID.me, and Login.gov, enabling them to manage healthcare, benefits, and communications with the Department of Veterans Affairs. She also established the Open-Door Program, which creates a welcoming environment where veterans and caregivers can stop in for conversation, guidance, and peer support-which helps reduce isolation and strengthen community connection. Jessica created ClayVeterans.com, a centralized online hub where veterans can easily find information about local programs, events, volunteer opportunities, and available resources.

Through her vision, determination, and tireless volunteer leadership, Jessica has helped transform the idea of a Clay County veterans center into a thriving community resource. Her efforts have created more than just a place for veterans to gather-they have built a growing network of programs, partnerships, and communication channels that continue to strengthen support for veterans and their families throughout Clay County.

Clay County 2025 Volunteer of the Year, Presented by VyStar:

Jenielle Holderfield helped generate more than $100,000 in donations and support for Clay County communities through numerous events, fundraisers, and recognition programs.
Her work has been instrumental in the success of several major charitable initiatives. Through Tennis 4 Cancer, Jenielle helped raise $34,000 for the American Cancer Society and an additional $34,000 for Rotary local grants, including this year's grant to The Villages of Hope to furnish new mini homes for families in need. Additional grants supported organizations like Waste-Not-Want-Not, Orange Park High School athletics, Oakleaf High School band equipment replacement, the Northeast Florida Boy Scouts Award Program, and an orphanage in Costa Rica. Jenielle also played a key role in organizing the Flags for Heroes (2nd Edition) event, which honored service members and community heroes.

Jenielle's exceptional marketing strategy, event promotion, and community engagement effort helped lead to the success of these efforts, which in turn, benefited countless individuals here in Clay County and outside county lines. Her dedication, leadership, and ability to connect people with causes that matter have created a lasting and measurable impact throughout Clay County.

Clay County 2025 Youth Volunteer of the Year:

Amaia Arteta started a nonprofit organization with her mother and sister that focuses on veterans and their families as well as military working dogs. She's the president of her student body and is also in student council. Ranking at the top of her class for the third year in a row, Amaia has a 4.9 GPA. She's the president of a 4H military club for military children and civilians. Amaia further helps in her community by fostering animals and donates countless hours of her time between three nonprofit organizations.

Distinguished Service Awards:

Commissioners and VyStar recognized for individuals for their distinguished service in our communities. Retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Matt FlintRetired U.S. Army Specialist Kristle Helmuth, Brian Knight and Mary Medford received the award for their continued impactful service to veterans, residents, and organizations in Clay County.