Alabama is leading the way for military families leaving active-duty service.
Where will you live once you leave active-duty military life? When my family approached that question we knew it would be the starting place for the next 10 years of our lives. We got ourselves a Sonic limeade, sat around the living room, and started the conversation.
We knew a few things that had to be considered as a priority:
- Employment
- VA health services
- State benefits for retirees (how far will our money go?)
- Family and friends/proximity to a bigger airport
We made sure each family member had a say in where they wanted to be and why. That was the first conversation. We had many more as we researched housing prices and state taxes.
Why Alabama?
You might be getting ready to start having these same conversations and if Alabama isn’t on your list you might want to take a second look. We didn’t end up in Alabama, but after my recent conversation with Jennifer Holliday, the Military Family Liaison for the Alabama Military Stability Foundation, I want to make sure other military spouses know exactly what this state is doing for its transitioning military families.
And if you’re a military spouse researching forever-for-now home locations don’t bypass the “Heart of Dixie” without taking a closer look at the massive amount of government and local support you’ll find there.
Heroes Welcome Initiative.
Alabama has done something that no other state has been able to replicate – yet. And, it’s created for both active-duty military families PCS’ing to Alabama and retired military families that are making Alabama their home.
The Heroes Welcome Initiative was created to do three things. The first is to make sure every military spouse knows about the available resources across DOD installations and the state. They are even categorizing National programs and resources that can support Alabama residents.
At the state level, we’re talking about things like licensing boards and Purple Star schools.
The second effort is about developing new programs and resources needed by Alabamian military families to support them as they move into the local communities. What would make Alabama even better for military-connected families? They really want to know!
And finally, they want to engage military spouses and their local defense communities. What does that mean? It means they want military spouses to know that they are seen and heard and their voice matters.
Partnering with the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN).
In addition to state resources, programming, and legislation, the Military Spouse Advocacy Network has partnered with Alabama to create its first and only state-specific resource hub. The Alabama-HUB offers a variety of free programming to military families, with a special focus on military spouse peer-to-peer mentorship. Military spouses can find support through MSAN’s flagship programs through the Alabama-HUB.
The Strength of Community.
“I advocate for solutions to the challenges faced by military families. Solutions are often found through legislative actions, community engagement, creating new programs or policies, connecting spouses with resources, and helping military spouses and families build local networks, “ says liaison Jennifer Holliday. “As Alabama builds a stronger sense of community and belonging for military-connected families, we bridge both real and perceived gaps, offering a rising tide for the entire community and the entire state.”
Wouldn’t it be amazing if each state had a similar mindset, agenda, and support network? It would make the transition from active duty to civilian life so much easier for thousands of military families each year.
If you’d like to learn more, check out the Alabama Heroes Welcome website or connect with Jennifer Holliday, and start asking questions!
