Big News for Alabama Vets!

The State Board of Veterans Affairs (SBVA) just gave a huge thumbs-up to Walt Kozak, electing him as their Vice-Chairman at their quarterly pow-wow on October 9th!

Who is Walt Kozak?

This guy's a rockstar! A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and member of American Legion Post 911 (Ryan Winslow Chapter), Kozak packs a whopping 48 years of leadership experience from his time in the Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

What They're Saying

Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Jeff Newton is stoked, saying, “Walt Kozak brings a winning combo of experience and leadership. His strategic vision, integrity, and dedication will be a game-changer as we keep pushing forward and boosting support for Alabama’s veterans.”

Fresh Faces on the Board

The October meeting also welcomed some new blood – Eric Dudash and Audrey Ransom! Dudash, nominated by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Ransom, nominated by Disabled American Veterans (DAV), were both appointed by Governor Kay Ivey for a four-year term. Bonus: Dudash even brings his certified service dog, Phantom, as an honorary board member!

More Cemetery Space on the Horizon!

The SBVA is all-in on supporting the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) as they gear up to build a second state veterans cemetery. Commissioner Newton’s been burning the midnight oil with state legislators and local bigwigs in Madison, Morgan, and Limestone counties to snag about 110 acres of prime farmland up north for the project.

Championing Our Vets

"After 80 years of service, the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs is going above and beyond to support our state’s 400,000 veterans,” Commissioner Newton declared. “From new programs to bigger services and community partnerships, we’re constantly finding better ways to take care of those who served and fortify the entire veterans community across Alabama!”