The Halifax County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 5 to create a Veterans Services Advisory Board to support outreach, education and recognition efforts for the county’s veteran population.

County Manager Andrea Denton presented draft bylaws describing the advisory board’s role: to educate residents about available veteran services and benefits, advocate for needs, assist with outreach and honor veterans through community programs. The draft calls for representation from chartered veterans’ organizations, family members of veterans (including Gold Star families), and community stakeholders; staff recommended adding a commissioner as a non‑voting ex‑officio member and assigning Assistant County Manager Thomas Everett as a staff liaison.

Commissioner Silver — who sponsored the initial idea — noted that many counties form advisory bodies to bolster outreach and argued for modest seed funding to support awareness materials. Commissioners emphasized that the advisory board should be independent in its advocacy while working closely with the veteran service officer (VSO) who will remain the staff contact and report through county management. The board approved the creation of the advisory group and asked staff to return with a final recruitment and bylaws process.

Implementation: Manager Denton will revise the bylaws to add VSO involvement and the ex‑officio commissioner seat and begin recruiting applicants through the county’s board and commissions process; the board asked staff to include a modest operational budget request if needed.