MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) is partnering with the Alabama National Guard to extend its ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus at the state’s four veterans homes.  Beginning April 18, Task Force 31, a newly established National Guard unit assigned to the State of Alabama’s Unified Command in Montgomery, will report to the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City to assist the facility as a measure to prevent the spread of the virus among employees and residents of the home.

The task force is organized with specialized teams that are equipped and trained to disinfect long-term skilled care facilities in the state’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  These teams were identified and selected based on their unique military training and are well tailored to accomplish this critical mission, according to an earlier news release from the Alabama National Guard’s public affairs office.

“I want to thank Governor Kay Ivey and Alabama National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Sherly Gordon, for mobilizing the task force to perform this critical mission on behalf of our veterans,” said ADVA Commissioner Kent Davis.”  “As a state, we are proud of the men and women of the Alabama National Guard who are always ready to answer the call when their services are needed during a time of state and national emergencies.”

After the task force completes its mission in Alexander City, teams will deploy to the other three state veterans homes in Bay Minette, Huntsville and Pell City, for follow-on support.

“The Alabama National Guard is here to serve our citizens, and I’m glad Governor Ivey asked us to take on this important mission,” said Gordon. “Our specially trained Soldiers and Airmen are prepared to assist our communities as we fight the spread of COVID-19 together.”

Information about ADVA’s veterans homes visitation policy and other precautionary measures the department is taking in its response to the COVID-19 crisis is posted to the department’s website at www.va.alabama.gov.