The Importance Of Advocating For Alabama’s Veterans Year-Round

“Thank you for your service.” They are five words that are often uttered almost by rote when people encounter someone who is serving or has served their country in the U.S. Military. But if there is one day of the year that carries the true meaning of the phrase it is today, Veteran’s Day 2025.

While both holidays are patriotic it is amazing how many people confuse today with Memorial Day. That day is observed on the last Monday of May and honors those who have given their lives for this country in conflicts big and small.

In Alabama nearly 400,000 veterans and their families call our state home, so this is a day to show appreciation to all veterans and their families who have put country before self in serving.

Get our free mobile app

Alabama Is Trying to Help

In her Veteran’s Day message Gov. Ivey stated, “This year, we worked together to pass important legislation that strengthens how Alabama serves its veterans.

“We elevated the Department of Veterans Affairs, ensuring veterans’ voices are heard at the highest level of state government. And we created new resources to help veterans transition into civilian life.

“These steps are about one thing: Keeping our promise to you – the brave men and women who sacrificed so much for this great nation we call home.”

That is an example of putting those five words into action. Unfortunately, that is not always the case for those currently and formerly in uniform.

There Are Still Issues Impacting Those In and Formerly in Uniform

For instance, a review by the U.S. Office of Inspector General (OIG) of seven different bases, including Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville (the future home of U.S. Space Command) found,” …a lack of guidance, understaffed teams and several health and safety risks at military family housing.”

99% of military housing is now contracted out to private companies, many that are more worried about profits than providing quality housing for military families. The OIG found that the army and navy does not provide adequate oversight of those private companies managing the housing.

The OIG made 19 recommendations to try to deal with the problems, but funding is a considerable issue.

Most people who pay attention to the news are aware of consistent problems within the Veteran’s Administration and many VA Medical Centers.

Last month the Washington Post reported that it had uncovered “rampant exaggeration and fraud” in the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ disability benefits system. However, veteran’s groups claim the Post’s reporting fails to account for the physical and mental toll of sustained military conflict on service members – and improperly casts the actions of several dozen veterans convicted of lying about their disabilities as representative of widespread fraud.

Dr David Shulkin, who served as the VA’s undersecretary for health under Barack Obama and secretary of veteran’s affairs in the first Trump administration wrote in a social media post that while things have improved, it is not the vets but the system that is flawed.

“Veterans are forced to navigate a benefits system that places the burden on them to gather extensive documentation,” Shulkin wrote, describing the Post’s story. “The sheer complexity of the process leads to unnecessary delays and denials – not because of veterans’ shortcomings, but because of how the system is designed. Blaming veterans reflects a misunderstanding of how the system actually works.”

Adding to the VA woes is the reduction in staff. VA has lost nearly 24,000 employees in federal cutbacks. But VA says it has multiple safeguards in place to ensure these staff reductions do not impact on Veteran care or benefits.

Veteran homelessness, while declining, is still a serious issue at 7.5%. DAV figures reveal a nearly 8% decrease from 2023 to 2024. However, that is still more than 32,000 living without shelter.

Suicide by veterans continues to be a major issue. That impacts us all as people who benefitted from their service.

Fewer Political Leaders Are Vets

Adding to veteran issues is the overall decline in elected officials with military backgrounds. Congress boasts 100 military veterans among their members, the largest military caucus in eight years.

Because of their backgrounds, veterans serving in congress are often seen as critical to discussions of military operations and veterans’ benefits. But despite the recent bump up, the number of veterans in Congress has declined almost steadily since the mid-1970s, as the military shifted from largely drafted individuals to an all-volunteer force.

Honoring our military is important, but it's even more essential to hold political leaders accountable for supporting those who protect us. As a vet wrote in a recent Reddit post, “While I appreciate your thanks, I would prefer you show your appreciation for the service of myself and other Vets by demanding your elected officials honor the promise to take care of us when we get home by fully funding the VA.

So today thank a vet for their service tomorrow back your gratitude up by holding elected officials, including vets, feet to the fire and urge their support for veterans needs year around.

Help Is Available for Vets

For vets reading this, you can access VA’s services for homeless and at-risk Veterans, available 24/7 by dialing Dial 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838).

Vets who need to talk can make a confidential call 24/7 to the free support line at 9-8-8, extension 1. You can also text 838255 or go online for a Veterans Self-Check Quiz.

For an in-person visit, the nearest VA Medical Center is the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, 3701 Loop Road East.