New Alabama Veterans Resource Center offering one-stop support for veterans, families

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March 13, 2026

The freedoms Alabamians enjoy today were secured in no small part by the profound service and sacrifice of the men and women who wore this nation’s uniform. That debt does not end when a veteran comes home.

That’s why the opening of the Alabama Veterans Resource Center matters. Last month, state leaders, veterans, and community partners gathered in Montgomery to mark the launch of the AVRC, a new statewide hub designed to help veterans and their families find support in one place.

The center was created through 2025 legislation as a public corporation built around a public-private partnership model, with a mission focused on easing the often difficult transition from military service to civilian life.

Veterans and their families can visit the center to gain general knowledge about services available to them. Some of these services could be support with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims, employment resources, mental health services, and more.

Its impact is already being felt, and outreach is extending beyond the service itself — whether that’s a father bringing his son, a friend supporting a widower, and beyond — Alabamians are spreading the word that the center exists to serve.

Look no further than former Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Alvin Jeffries, who recently retired from the Air Force after 33 years of service.

“During my career, I was assigned to a variety of locations, including Beale AFB, CA; Headquarters Air Force, Washington, D.C.; Buckley SFB, CO; and Maxwell AFB, AL, along with four deployments overseas,” Jeffries says.

“After returning to the area, I came across a local advertisement for the Alabama Veterans Resource Center offering assistance with veterans’ claims.”

“I was immediately impressed by the one-stop-all approach the center provides,” Jeffries continued. “From workplace assistance and family support to legal aid, their comprehensive services have already helped make my transition to civilian life much smoother and far less stressful.

“I am deeply grateful for the professionalism and dedication shown by Executive Director Ms. Alex Karagas and Veteran Service Officers Shawn White and Juan Jones. Their responsiveness, knowledge, and commitment ensured all my questions were answered and every need was met.”

The center has already received extraordinary support from communities and organizations across the state of Alabama, and more than 100 nonprofit organizations have been identified as partners and resources for veterans and their families.

This coordinated and collaborative approach is exactly what the AVRC was established to do. In less than two months, these partners and resources have helped the AVRC serve hundreds of veterans and their families already.

With hundreds of thousands of veterans residing in the state, Alabama has one of the highest state per capita nationwide in veteran population.

“I’ve worked closely with veteran advocates across our state to understand where Alabama can do more for those who served,” Chairman of the Alabama Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, State Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre), who introduced the legislation that established the Alabama Veterans Resource Center, said.

“The AVRC is designed to help veterans navigate the transition to civilian life by linking them with meaningful career opportunities and resources to expand their skills. Alabama is proud to be known as a military-friendly state, and initiatives like this help ensure we are just as committed to our veterans.”

To learn more about the AVRC, you can visit https://missionforwardal.org.