By Bryan Taylor
In Alabama, where the legacy of military service runs deep, our veterans deserve a strong, unified voice in state government—a voice that not only advocates for their needs but ensures their sacrifices are honored with action.
The proposed transformation of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) into a cabinet-level agency headed by a gubernatorial appointee, with recommendations from the veterans community, is a decisive step in the right direction.
This move would underscore the state’s commitment to its veterans, ensuring we have a prominent place in the conversations that shape policy and priorities.
This change comes at a critical time. For years, the ADVA has provided essential services—helping veterans secure benefits, access healthcare, and receive college degrees. But like any agency tasked with serving a diverse and growing population, it has faced its share of challenges.
The recent departure of its commissioner, Admiral Kent Davis, highlighted the need for structural changes to better align the agency with the evolving needs of Alabama’s veterans. What’s more, the agency simply hasn’t been “plugged in” to the machinery of state government in the way that veterans deserve.
Elevating the ADVA to a cabinet-level agency would do more than just signal the state’s commitment; it would ensure veterans’ issues are prioritized at the highest levels of government. Instead of operating in the shadows of larger agencies, the ADVA would have a direct line to the governor, amplifying its ability to advocate for critical resources and reforms.
For Alabama’s approximately 400,000 veterans, this is more more than a bureaucratic shift—it’s a promise. It’s a recognition that our service—wehther in the jungles of Vietnam, the deserts of Iraq, the mountains of Afghanistan, or the eye of a Gulf Coast hurricane—has earned us more than token appreciation. It has earned us a government that prioritizes veterans’ unique needs.
Why does this matter? Because veterans’ issues are not one-size-fits-all. The challenges faced by a young Marine returning from deployment are different from those of a Vietnam-era soldier navigating the complexities of aging and healthcare. The ADVA, as a cabinet-level agency, would have the clout and coordination necessary to address these varied needs with precision and urgency.
Moreover, this transformation would position the ADVA to better tackle emerging issues. From the alarming rise in veteran suicides to the increasing demand for mental health services, the challenges veterans face today require innovative solutions and unwavering support. By elevating the department, Alabama would send a clear message: these issues will not be ignored.
This move will also enhance the ADVA’s ability to work collaboratively across agencies and with federal partners like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Coordination is absolutely crucial when addressing issues such as housing, employment, healthcare, and education for veterans. With cabinet-level authority, the ADVA can streamline its efforts, ensuring Alabama veterans receive the support they deserve without bureaucratic bottlenecks.
For veterans, this change represents progress, not just in policy but in principle. It is a reminder that our voices matter—that our concerns as veterans won’t be relegated to the margins. And for the broader Alabama community, it’s an opportunity to rally behind those who have given so much in defense of our freedoms.
No veteran should ever be allowed to fall through the cracks.
This transition calls for unity. The departure of Admiral Davis, whose passion for serving veterans remains unquestioned, came on turbulent waters. But it’s time to calm the storm and focus on the mission. The focus now must be on the future—on building an agency that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of Alabama’s veterans.
As the state charts this new course, it’s crucial that veterans and their families feel empowered to share their stories, offer feedback, and help shape the services that impact their lives.
In the end, this isn’t just about governance—it’s about gratitude. Elevating the ADVA to a cabinet-level agency is a tangible way of saying “thank you” to those who have worn the uniform and answered the Call. It’s a way of ensuring veterans’ needs are not just heard but addressed with the urgency and respect they deserve.
Alabama has always been a state that honors its heroes. This transformation ensures that the legacy of service is matched by a legacy of care. And that’s a victory every Alabamian can celebrate.
Bryan Taylor is a practicing attorney, a retired Army judge advocate and Alabama National Guard major, an Iraq War veteran, a former state senator, and former chief legal advisor to Governor Kay Ivey. In private practice, he has represented veterans and their family pro bono in a variety of legal matters.