SPANISH FORT, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) received national recognition on Thursday for its continued commitment to honoring Alabama’s veterans and their families through exceptional cemetery operations and care.

Commissioner Jeff Newton welcomed Glenn Powers, Deputy Under Secretary for Field Programs and Cemetery Operations with the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), to the Alabama Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort for the presentation of the NCA’s Cemetery Operational Excellence Award. The award recognizes outstanding performance and dedication to maintaining the highest national standards in service, appearance, operations, and care at veteran’s cemeteries.

“This recognition reflects the professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment of Cemetery Director Joe Buschell and his team,” said Commissioner Newton. “Every day, they work to ensure our veterans and their families are treated with the dignity and respect they have earned through service to our nation. Receiving this award from the National Cemetery Administration is a testament to the pride our staff takes in serving veteran families during a most important moment of remembrance.”

The Operational Excellence Award is presented by the NCA to recognize cemetery organizations that demonstrate exceptional operational performance and uphold the highest standards in appearance, customer service, and memorial care.

“We are proud of our partnership with Alabama that began with the grant money provided to the state to establish the cemetery and that continues with each successive grant to expand the cemetery,” Powers said. “VA has provided $12.8 million dollars since 2011 for federal grant support of Spanish Fort. Most importantly the cemetery has consistently upheld a tradition of honor and respectful care for Alabama’s veterans and their families as shown by achieving the high standards necessary to receive this recognition.”

The Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort is dedicated to providing honorable final resting places for eligible veterans and their dependents while preserving the legacy and service of Alabama’s military community. There were 484 interments at the facility in fiscal year 2025 and have been more than 4,700 interments since the cemetery opened in 2012.

ADVA is breaking ground on a second state veterans cemetery later this year, which will be located near Huntsville. It is expected to be completed and open next fall.