Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) Commissioner Jeff Newton is thrilled to formally announce that displaced veterans from the Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home have returned to the facility.

Veteran residents returned to the home on September 28 after 16 months at the Enterprise Health and Rehabilitation Center (EH&RC) following a roof fire in April 2025. There were no injuries or fatalities during the evacuation process or in response to the fire.

“This was a day we looked forward to for a very long time,” said ADVA Commissioner Jeff Newton. “The road back home has been long, and we are deeply grateful for the patience, understanding and unwavering support of our veteran residents and their loved ones throughout this journey. We are also thankful for the incredible support we have received from the Enterprise community, EH&RC and everyone who helped our veterans and staff along the way. I can honestly say there was no greater reward for all the work that has gone into this restoration than seeing these men and women back in their home.” 

The restoration process, although extensive, was completed under budget. The incident, which occurred during a construction project on the roof, caused severe damage to the roofing system at the rear of the facility. Although the fire was contained to the area above the kitchen and industrial area of the building, most of the structure sustained water damage as crews worked for several days to extinguish the fire.

ADVA expects to begin admitting additional veterans from the waitlist by the end of October, after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs certifies the facility’s operations.

To see photos from the homecoming, visit: https://kincollc.passgallery.com/-bennie-g-adkins-homecoming/gallery