It's one of the biggest complaints from U.S. veterans, having to drive hours for health care, but that is about to change for many Jackson County veterans.

Some Jackson County residents are making long trips just to get the medical care they need. VFW Commander Ernest McNeill is one of them.

"I have to go to Ft. Rucker, Alabama for my vision, I have to go to Montgomery for the diabetic clinic up there, and every six months I see my primary care physician in Dothan."

A new VA clinic in Marianna means many vets will no longer have to drive far for their medical needs. The new facility has 12 exam rooms. It will be a primary care provider for many in the area, offering services like lab work, checkups, counseling, as well as an outpatient pharmacy.

"We’re just really glad this clinic is now coming to Marianna," McNeil said.

But VA Sunshine Health Care official Steve Young says the clinic is part of a bigger picture.

"The stated goal in 1995 was to bring health care within 30 miles or 30 minutes of every veteran in the United States of America. We’re not quite there yet. The last figure I saw was a little over 70 percent."

U.S. Congressman Allen Boyd says providing health care for vets is a very important part of recruiting new solders and supporting veterans for their years of service.

"Many of them come back with debilitating injuries. Some of those injuries may be physical, some emotional scars. Whatever the case, we have a duty as a country and a nation to step up for them when the stepped up for us."

The clinic will begin signing up new patients by mid June. They hope to transfer veterans already being served at other facilities by the end of the summer.