Alabama Veterans Resource Center Board Meeting Summary

During its inaugural meeting on Thursday, members of the Alabama Veterans Resource Center Board of Directors talked about ways to enhance support for veterans in the state.

The board consists of members appointed by the governor, Senate, and Speaker of the House, including individuals selected by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey at the end of last month.

Composed of both government officials and private sector leaders, the board members discussed their individual expertise and the goals for their operations.

The gathering took place in the original archive room of the Alabama State Capitol.

Chairman Greg Reed from the Alabama Department of Labor expressed gratitude to the veterans, acknowledging their role in the establishment of the board.

“As a member of the board, I want to thank you for your service, as well as your recruitment into Governor Ivey’s initiative,” Reed remarked, emphasizing the importance of serving Alabama’s veterans.

Other attendees included Vice-Chair Jeffrey Newton, a retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General and officials from departments like Mental Health and private sectors.

However, it’s worth noting that some board members and Senate minority leaders couldn’t make it to this meeting.

Newton stated, “The key to veterans’ well-being is facilitating their transition from military to civilian life,” expressing his hopes that the Resource Center can serve as a “one-stop shop” for veterans needing assistance.

He emphasized the need for support regarding employment and mental health, showing commitment to addressing these issues.

Jones, who leads the Alabama Senate Veterans Public Safety Committee, expressed optimism that the board could build on Alabama’s veteran support framework.

He shared the background of the law that formed the Resource Center, mentioning its inception came from contributions across various sectors.

Jones also highlighted the board’s focus on providing career services, mental health programs, and educational opportunities for veterans and their families.

He further discussed plans to create a central office alongside a network of regional offices to strengthen outreach, including an online portal for veterans.

Robinson, a veteran herself, spoke about her experiences transitioning from military to civilian life and underscored the importance of establishing supportive services for those returning from service.

“The way we engage with the community is crucial,” she said, noting her desire to enhance the transition process.

Brown discussed his vision for the Resource Center to function as a “clearinghouse” that assists veterans in various aspects of their lives.

Wells highlighted the potential for development opportunities in Northern Alabama, aiming to improve employment prospects for veterans.

He expressed satisfaction in seeing collaboration between private and public sectors, which he believes will benefit veterans across the state.

Doughty voiced his intentions to tackle issues like food insecurity and mental health among veterans, hopeful for a proactive approach.

In light of the mental health discussion, Boswell noted that work can provide significant mental health benefits, emphasizing the integration of mental health services into veteran support.

The Board unanimously ratified its establishment application, solidifying its status as a state entity and confirming the bylaws.

Reed reiterated the necessity for a central office for effective operations, focusing on Montgomery as a potential location.

He called for ideas from the board members regarding the Resource Center’s headquarters in the state’s capital.

Emphasizing the importance of funding, Reed pointed to the $5 million allocated for Resource Centers and urged the board to leverage technology for better outreach.

Newton mentioned exemplary veteran support services from Middle Tennessee State University, suggesting learning from their model.

Robinson talked about extending services across Alabama, highlighting partnerships with local career centers to boost accessibility.

Brown agreed to collaborate with Reed in securing a central office close to educational resources in Montgomery.

Reed stated his goal is to have this office open by Christmas, while also discussing the need for an executive director for the AVRC.

He expressed the importance of finding a dedicated leader willing to commit to veteran service.

Newton proposed a profile for the executive director and sought assistance from others to craft a plan for recruitment.

Reed also mentioned the potential creation of an AVRC Foundation to secure additional funding for operations.

He rounded off the meeting by encouraging board members to utilize social media to raise awareness about their initiatives for veterans.

“We want to create a strong, ongoing message for veterans in Alabama,” he said.

The next meeting of the AVRC Board of Directors is set for the afternoon of October 16th.