Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs commissioner Kent Davis declined to resign at the request of Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday.
Ivey asked for the resignation of Davis and removed John Kilpatrick from the Alabama State Board of Veterans Affairs on Thursday. Ivey said in the letter the agency mishandled an ARPA grant program.
Davis said in a statement on Friday, “I respectfully disagree with the inaccurate claims made against the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs this week.”
“We have continuously been transparent in our department’s mission and day-to-day operations in our service to Alabama’s 400,000 Veterans. This includes earlier this year when ADVA attempted to work with members of the Governor’s staff, cabinet, and the Department of Finance regarding American Rescue Plan Act funds. At no time did our actions jeopardize the State of Alabama in fulfilling its obligations of the $2.1 billion in ARPA funds,” Davis said.
“This has been an outstanding year for the ADVA as we have completed the first planned expansion of the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort and next week will dedicate our fifth State Veterans Home, which is named in honor of Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient and Alabama native Bennie G. Adkins," he added. "We will continue to support Alabama’s Veterans and their families by assisting them with benefits they have earned, finding housing for homeless, seeking non-profit assistance for funding, and providing referrals for mental and physical health care.”
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said on Thursday, “A change in leadership at the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs is in the best interest of our state’s veteran population.”
State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville) told 1819 News on Friday whether Davis should resign “is not for me to say.”
“That is not for me to say. As chairman of the Military and Veterans Affairs (committee) in the House of Representatives, I want what’s best for veterans. I am a veteran. I belong to the American Legion. I’m proud to serve in this position. That is a discussion that the Governor has got to work out. I support the Governor and of course I support my Speaker who has already spoken out on that issue as well,” Oliver said.
Ivey on Friday called a special meeting of the State Board of Veterans’ Affairs for Tuesday afternoon to consider the removal of Davis as commissioner.
Davis, who retired from the Navy with the rank of Rear Admiral, has served as ADVA commissioner since 2019.
“It is my desire and will to continue advocating for Alabama Veterans," Davis continued. "We have come a long way in supporting our nation’s heroes, but the mission is far from complete. I look forward to continuing the fight by their sides.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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