Ivey marks Veterans Week with updates on services, legislation
Ivey's office said the governor has "fundamentally changed the way Alabama serves its veterans," touting legislative and ADVA improvements for the state's veterans.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey proclaimed November 5 through November 11, 2026, Veterans Week in Alabama and highlighted recent work by the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Alabama has a proud tradition of supporting the men and women who serve our country, and I am committed to making sure that continues,” Ivey said. “Our veterans have given so much to protect the freedoms we enjoy, and they deserve a state that works hard for them.
“From giving veterans a seat at the table through the creation of a cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs to expanding services and resources across our state, we have made great strides in keeping that promise,” Ivey said. “This Veterans Week, I encourage every Alabamian to join me in thanking our veterans for their service and sacrifice.”
Ivey’s office said the department worked with state and local partners to restore the Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home after a fire in April 2025. Residents returned in late September.
“The fire resulted in no injuries, and the successful return of residents demonstrated the state’s commitment to ensuring veterans continue receiving safe, quality care,” Ivey’s office wrote.
Work on the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery–North Alabama began with a groundbreaking in mid-October. Burial plots are available free of charge to honorably discharged veterans and their spouses.
Ivey’s office also highlighted the Alabama Veterans Resource Center, a public-private partnership created under Senate Bill 70 in 2025. The center gives veterans a single point of contact and brings together veterans service organizations and community partners to help veterans and their families access benefits and other resources.
“Governor Ivey has made supporting Alabama’s veterans a priority, and her leadership has helped create opportunities for us to expand our reach and strengthen the services we provide,” said Jeff Newton, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Our employees work every day to turn that commitment into action, whether by helping a veteran access earned benefits, caring for residents in our State Veterans Homes, expanding cemetery services or developing partnerships that improve overall wellbeing,” Newton said. “We are proud of the progress we’ve made under her leadership and remain focused on doing even more for the men and women who served our country.”
Ivey’s office pointed to several measures she supported during the 2026 Legislative Session.
- House Bill 307 expanded employment preferences for military spouses.
- House Bill 155 eliminated the annual homestead exemption verification requirement for qualifying veterans with permanent and total disabilities.
- Senate Bill 149 created a pathway for eligible veterans to earn temporary teaching certificates.
- House Bill 233 expanded Alabama National Guard tuition assistance to cover workforce development training.
- House Bill 341 provided tax relief for qualifying National Guard income.
- House Bill 182 allowed military training and experience to count toward professional licensure.
“Governor Ivey fundamentally changed the way Alabama serves its veterans. These accomplishments build on a broader effort to strengthen Alabama’s commitment to its military members, veterans and their families,” Ivey’s office wrote. “Ivey and ADVA encourage Alabamians to recognize veterans not only during this week, but throughout the year through meaningful expressions of gratitude and continued support.”
Veterans Week ends November 11 with the national observance of Veterans Day.
The full proclamation is available on the governor’s website.
