SB67 will give us veterans a stronger voice

Veterans in Alabama have an opportunity. It is an opportunity to have a stronger voice and a seat at the table. It is an opportunity for every Alabama veteran, not just a few. These are a few key factors that stand out to my family and me about SB67, a bill in the legislature that would restructure the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA).

For years, we have asked for the ADVA to have a true seat at the table when it comes to decisions regarding the veteran community of our state. Now, Governor Ivey and members of the legislature have a proposal to elevate the commissioner to a cabinet level position. I can’t think of a better way for veterans to have a true advocate in Montgomery.

By having direct collaboration with other cabinet agencies and having a seat alongside the legislative and judicial branches, it greatly amplifies our story. To have others come alongside us in making Alabama the most veteran friendly state in nation, we must have advocates outside our own veteran community.

Alabama is currently one of only six states where the Governor does not directly appoint the state’s veterans affairs leader. Our lawmakers can change that by passing this legislation.

In addition to elevating the ADVA commissioner position, the proposed legislation would make important changes to the State Board of Veterans Affairs. Some say change is not needed, but I disagree. It’s important to take a step back and look at the facts.

Our current board does not represent all of the veterans in our state. In fact, the current board is representative of less than 25 percent of our overall veteran population. We now have a chance to give our 400,000 plus Alabama veterans – myself and my family included – a more inclusive voice.

This ensures no matter which organization board members represent, they will all represent Alabama veterans and their families. This comprehensive voice will also offer flexibility as the needs and priorities of our state’s veteran population evolve.

I am no legislator, but it is important to let the following words from the proposed legislation fully resonate: “Appointments to the board shall be representative of the entirety of the state’s veteran community. Board members should include veterans from various branches of the Armed Forces of the United States and service eras (including active-duty service members) and consist of both members and nonmembers of veteran service organizations. Board members should also represent entities that provide meaningful services to the veterans and their families. The Governor shall coordinate his or her appointments to assure that the membership of the board is inclusive and reflects the racial, gender, geographic, urban, rural, and economic diversity of the state’s veteran community.”

To me the choice is simple. This bill gives veterans a real seat at the table – the status quo does not. This bill makes our board representative of all veterans – the status quo does not. This bill means greater accountability, centralized leadership, stronger influence, increased resources and broader visibility for the issues facing Alabama veterans.

It’s time to openly recognize that we have a real opportunity here—and that we have true advocates in Governor Kay Ivey and our Legislature. These men and women were elected to do hard things, make tough decisions, and when necessary, make important changes. They understand the perspectives needed at the decision-making table to amplify the needs Alabama veterans and our families.

My family and I are proud to call Alabama home. So, as a veteran, a husband, a father and an Alabamian, I am urging our legislators to pass SB67 to restructure ADVA and give veterans and our families an even stronger voice.

Jae Barclay is a retired Army Captain, who served with the 10th Mountain Division and deployed to Afghanistan. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. Jae also has the Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Ranger Tab. He is a native of Scottsboro, Alabama and currently resides with his family in Huntsville, Alabama.