Rick Arbogast, District 1 Commander, Post 6731 VFW, discussed issues concerning the Veterans Affairs offices at both the local and state levels. He reported that the State Veterans Affairs Office currently has three representatives on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; however, only one is readily accessible to veterans, as that office is located at the University of Southern Mississippi-Gulf Coast. The remaining two representatives are located on Keesler Air Force Base, and the Naval Construction Battalion which presents access challenges for retired veterans. Julia Richardson, Veterans Affairs Director for Harrison County, reported that Harrison County has the largest population of retired veterans in the state. She further stated that while the State has been awarded a grant under the Dole Act, the funds have not yet been distributed. Discussion also included the need for improved online access and better dissemination of information to veterans. After full discussion, the Board adopted an ORDER authorizing the issuance of a Resolution requesting that the Veterans Service Offices currently located at Keesler Air Force Base and Naval Construction Battalion be relocated to a more accessible location.

Committee

Public Forum

Introduced

January 8, 2026

On agenda

January 12, 2026

Passed

January 12, 2026