CULLMAN, Ala. – As Veterans Day approaches, Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman on Thursday, Nov. 6, said he and his fellow lawmakers continue working hard to honor the service of those who once wore our nation’s uniform, those who wear it today and the dependent family members who support them throughout their duties.
“Each year, the Legislature sets aside a full day to pass legislation designed to assist, aid and honor the veterans who reside in Alabama and the active service members and dependents currently stationed in our state,” Gudger said. “Alabamians are a fiercely patriotic people, and we place those who serve in our armed forces on a pedestal because to many of us across the state, every day is Veterans Day.”
On the local level, Gudger helps provide financial support for the annual Cullman County Veterans Day Celebration, which draws thousands of participants to the airport for aerial demonstrations, car and aircraft displays, historical reenactments and other activities designed to honor the more than 7,000 military veterans residing in the area.
In addition, Gudger secured $200,000 in funding for a PTSD pilot program that was launched in Cullman County and provides combat veterans with free Stellate Ganglion Blockage, or SGB, shots that control the fight or flight signals from the brain, which are common in those with the condition.
Because the program proved successful, it has expanded eligibility to veterans across the state who must first be evaluated at WellStone in Cullman and then receive their shot at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham.
To ensure that Alabama remains among the nation’s friendliest states for veterans and active service members, Gudger’s office said, he and and other legislators passed several military-related bills and measures during the 2025 regular session, including:
- Legislation that established the Alabama Veterans Resource Center to assist military members entering the private sector with employment services, benefits navigation, education opportunities and mental health services
- A bill that expanded the use of Veterans Treatment Courts across the state and incorporates Veterans Treatment Courts into a newly established statewide Accountability Court system
- A measure that adopted federal standards to prevent predatory practices by private entities assisting veterans to obtain their benefits and applies Alabama consumer protection penalties to those who violate federal protections
- A bill that enrolled Alabama in the School Psychology Interstate Compact to assist with military spouse occupational license reciprocity
- Legislation that clarified the ability of Judge Advocate Generals to provide legal services to a range of National Guard, civilian and prior service personnel at the Request of the Alabama National Guard
- A bill that awarded cabinet-level rank to the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary and administers state veterans homes, disabled veterans education benefits, veterans services offices and state veteran cemeteries
Another package of veteran and military service member bills will be considered during the 2026 regular session of the Alabama Legislature, which is scheduled to convene on Jan. 13.
