A new National Guard unit has been created in Alabama to help prevent the spread of coronavirus in the four state-run veterans' homes, according to the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.
Task Force 31, the new unit, was formed as a partnership between the Alabama National Guard and the agency, reports American Military News, and first reported on Monday to the Bill Nichols Veterans Home in Alexander City to help employees and residents.
The unit is made up of special teams that have been trained and are equipped to disinfect long-term skilled care facility, and members were chosen based on military training.
“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," said Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis.
“I want to thank Gov. Kay Ivey and Alabama National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon, for mobilizing the task force to perform this critical mission on behalf of our veterans."
After the unit finishes in Alexander City, other teams will be deployed to veterans' homes in Huntsville, Pell City, and Bay Minette.
“The Alabama National Guard is here to serve our citizens, and I’m glad Governor Ivey asked us to take on this important mission,” Gordon commented. “Our specially trained soldiers and airmen are prepared to assist our communities as we fight the spread of COVID-19 together.”
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.