“Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them?”
- William Shakespeare, Hamlet
Our veterans, the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom, are being desecrated by those in power. The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) has been left high and dry, receiving zero – yes, zero – dollars from the massive $800 million opioid settlement that was supposed to help our state. This is not just negligence; it’s a disgrace.
The opioid crisis has ravaged communities across Alabama, and the settlement was meant to provide critical resources for recovery and support. Yet, while the state rakes in hundreds of millions, our veterans, often among the most vulnerable, are left to fend for themselves. The ADVA, which should be the frontline defense for our heroes, has been sidelined, and the consequences are dire. This isn’t just a bureaucratic oversight; it’s a systemic failure that reflects a complete disregard for the sacrifices made by those who have served.
Consider the recent firing of Kent Davis, a man who dedicated himself to serving our veterans and advocating for their rights and needs. His removal raises serious questions about the priorities of the ADVA and the state government.
What kind of message does this send? It’s a slap in the face to those who have fought for our country.
Instead of promoting leaders who genuinely care about veterans, we see a pattern of dismissing those who dare challenge the status quo. This is not just a loss for the ADVA; it’s a loss for every veteran in Alabama who deserves a champion in their corner. Take heed, the day of reckoning for Alabama under Gov. Ivey is fast approaching. I assure you justice will be served in federal, not state, courts; it is upon us and will strike with the fury and fire of a lightning bolt, ergo govern yourselves accordingly.
Meanwhile, the Alabama Department of Mental Health has the audacity to sit on $7 million in ARPA funds specifically earmarked for veteran suicide prevention. This is not just a failure; it’s a betrayal of the highest order. With suicide rates among veterans alarmingly high, one would think that every available resource would be deployed to combat this crisis … dare I say that there is blood on the hands of those involved in such insidious doings? How many more veterans must suffer before our leaders act? How many more families must be torn apart by the tragedy of suicide before we demand accountability?
Ivey and her complicit band of underlings have turned their backs on the very people who have given everything for this state. Instead of stepping up to support our veterans, they’ve chosen to ignore their needs and squander resources that could save lives. It’s time to hold these elected non-leaders accountable for their inaction and indifference. The people of Alabama deserve leaders who will prioritize the welfare of our veterans over political games and self-serving agendas.
Let’s not mince words: the current situation is unacceptable. We have a non-leader in Jeff Newton. Our veterans deserve more than empty promises and half-hearted gestures. They deserve a government that recognizes their sacrifices and actively works to improve their lives. The lack of funding from the opioid settlement is a glaring example of how our leaders have failed to prioritize the needs of those who have served.
We need to make it clear: We will not stand for this betrayal any longer. It’s time for a grassroots movement to hold our leaders accountable. We must demand transparency, action, and a commitment to supporting our veterans in tangible ways.
If chivalry still reigned in this state, I would challenge Ivey to a duel – not for glory, but to defend the honor of veterans abandoned by their own government. (Early Vegas lines put Carico at +1500).
It’s time to put the pressure on those in power and make it clear that we will not accept anything less than full support for our veterans. Alabama’s “VeterannatioN” deserves leaders who will fight for them, not against them. Let’s stand together and demand the respect and resources our heroes have earned and demonstrate our displeasure in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Correction: The initial article incorrectly stated that Jeff Newton hadn't visited our state veteran's cemetery. We regret the error.
Troy Carico is a former infantry enlisted soldier (11B) and infantry officer with branch qualifications including counterintelligence (35E) and military intelligence (35D). He served with distinction in the U.S. Army for more than 22 years, and is highly decorated and service connected disabled. He also has prior service as a civilian intelligence officer for the Defense Intelligence Agency Great Skills Program and has served in numerous clandestine assignments throughout the world.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
