Under the leadership of Brigadier General (Ret.) Jeffrey L. Newton, the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) continues to grow and adapt in its mission to serve the state’s veterans. From innovative programs and statewide outreach to critical milestones in care and restoration, the department is redefining how Alabama honors and supports those who have served. Explore the vision, programs and people behind ADVA as they work to make a lasting difference in the lives of Alabama’s veterans.
Commissioner Q&A: Brigadier General (Ret.) Jeffrey L. Newton
As Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, Brigadier General (Ret.) Jeffrey L. Newton is on a mission to ensure every Alabama veteran is aware of and able to access the benefits they’ve earned. He travels across the state, attending veteran-related events and overseeing the training and deployment of Veteran Service Officers. Since his appointment, Newton has focused on strengthening support for veterans while enhancing existing state benefits, building close partnerships with other agencies and legislators to ensure Alabama’s veterans receive the attention and resources they deserve. With ADVA’s recent transition into the Executive Branch, Newton is now positioned to implement strategic changes that will shape the department’s operations for years to come.
“We all need to be communicating and coordinating as one voice when it comes to veteran initiatives.”
Q&A:
Alabama has one of the largest veteran populations per capita in the country. What are the most pressing needs of veterans in our state today?
One of the most pressing needs of veterans in Alabama is quick access to mental health care. The state has recently established a Veterans Mental Health Care Steering Committee to make recommendations to assist in this need. The Alabama Department of Mental Health has made a significant effort to coordinate with ADVA in making this a priority issue. We also work closely with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to better understand improved access to veterans’ mental health care.
How does the department work to support veterans as they transition from active service to civilian life?
Getting the transition right from military service to civilian life is key to veterans’ overall well-being. We are working with the Alabama Department of Workforce to establish the Alabama Veterans Resource Center to ensure our new veterans have a positive transition experience. This new center will focus on job placement, VA claim assistance, well-being counseling and other services. The center will also have partnerships with other veteran assistance sources to get them the help they need.
Can you share some key initiatives currently underway that you’re most proud of?
Our key initiative is securing property for our second State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in north Alabama. We are ready to get the process underway to provide a final resting place for Veterans and their spouses. We also take care of our National Guard and Reserve members who are not eligible for burial at our National Cemeteries. All our interments are at no cost to our veterans.
What partnerships are most critical to the department’s success?
We can’t over-emphasize the importance of having positive, effective partnerships with our local, state and federal representatives. This includes other state agencies as well. Other partnerships include the four veteran coalitions across our state and the Alabama Military Stability Commission, led by our Lt. Governor.
What do you see as the department’s biggest challenges in the next five years?
The biggest challenges we have over the next five years are related to our aging State Veterans Homes. We have three of our homes over the thirty-year mark, and we need to start planning and budgeting now for renovations and possible expansions of these three older homes. We also need to consider conducting a feasibility study to determine the best location for a sixth veterans’ home in the state. This can take up to 5-7 years once a decision to build another home has been made.
What would you like Alabamians to better understand about ADVA?
Many veterans confuse us with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA). While we have a very important partnership with the USDVA, we are a separate and unique state agency that provides free assistance for both federal and state benefits.
Personal Matters:
Both you and your father have very similar call signs. Could you share the story behind those call signs?
The last name of “Newton” sets up the nickname “Fig Newton” for me and my four brothers. Growing up, most of our friends only knew us by our nickname “Fig.” So, when they’d call the house and asked for “Fig” my parents would have to ask, “which one?” Dad, of course, is “Big Fig.” He resides at our Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City, AL., where he’s known as “Big Fig” and “Lucky Newton” for his many bingo wins.
How did you get into playing the Bugle, and what do you enjoy most about it?
It all started when I was in the Boy Scouts and my parents bought me an official Boy Scout Bugle, which I still have on display in my office. So, I taught myself how to play. When I enlisted in military service, my unit needed a bugler for the Base Honor Guard Team, and I volunteered. I continued to play “Taps” at military funerals throughout my career and continue now if I’m available. My greatest honor is being invited annually to play “Taps” at the Gettysburg National Battlefield in Pennsylvania.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career, and how have they shaped the leader you are today?
The biggest influences in my life have been my dad and my high school Algebra teacher, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Sox. My dad served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, and he instilled the “service before self” mindset in me and my four brothers. My algebra teacher was a Vietnam veteran who was shot down over Vietnam while piloting his F-4 fighter jet. He apparently saw something in me and encouraged me to sign up with a recruiter. I am forever grateful for their influence that kept me going throughout my 41-year military career.
Advice for Younger Veterans Navigating Post-Military Life in Alabama
- Locate your Veteran Service Officer in your county and get your VA claim started immediately.
- Register for VA healthcare at va.gov.
- Most importantly, if you need help in any form, reach out. Don’t get caught up in the stigma that you can handle problems on your own. Free assistance is available from many sources.
- Remember, if you’re having serious mental health issues and need immediate help, your first phone call is the Veterans Crisis line. Dial 988, then select option 1 for a Veteran specialist 24/7.
Just for FUN!
- What’s your favorite business podcast? Coffee with the Commissioner
- If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? General Dwight D. Eisenhower
- What do you do when you’re not at work? Exercising, playing golf and practicing the guitar and trumpet/bugle.
