Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs

About Us

Our Mission

The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs serves Arkansas veterans and their eligible dependents by providing, through advocacy and education, access to state and federal benefits, high-quality long-term nursing care, and burial honors.

Our Vision

Recognizing the value of veterans to Arkansas, ADVA will be the state's leading advocate and resource, responsive to the changing needs of veterans and their families in attaining the highest quality of life.

What We Do

Three ways we serve Arkansas veterans

From the day a veteran leaves the uniform through every phase of life, ADVA is here.

Veteran Service Officer Network

Trained officers help veterans and dependents understand, apply for, and access the state and federal benefits they have earned.

State Veteran Homes

Two state veteran nursing homes provide high-quality, compassionate long-term care for those who served.

State Veteran Cemeteries

Two state veteran cemeteries provide dignified burial honors, preserving the memory of veterans' service for future generations.

From the Secretary

Our priorities

Intentional care from the day a veteran leaves the uniform, and through every phase of a veteran's life.

Every action the Department takes focuses on veterans, ensuring every decision positively affects all veterans.
We are not satisfied with end-of-life care alone, but care for every phase of a veteran's life: the departure from military service, garnering benefits, finding meaningful and fulfilling employment, providing nursing care in our veterans homes, and honoring their life in our State Veterans Cemeteries.
We endeavor to assist with meaningful employment and reintegrating Veterans into Arkansas communities. Veterans bring real value to our economy, employers, and communities, with skills and the soft skills every employer needs to succeed.
The Department partners with numerous Veteran Support Organizations that bring real value to our veterans' lives, committing to collaboration and a unified voice for our veterans.
The Department leads the State's efforts to honor our Veterans' selfless service to our Nation, State, and communities, championing their service in our solemn spaces for future generations.
The Department works with any and all stakeholders to advocate to decision makers on our shared responsibility to veterans, including legislative relief to aid in the enrichment of veterans' lives.
Core Values

What guides us

Eleven values shape how we serve Arkansas Veterans and their families every day.

Honor

We recognize and respect the service and sacrifices of veterans and their families, conducting ourselves ethically, honestly, and selflessly.

Service

We put veterans' needs first, delivering timely, accessible, and veteran-centered care and benefits.

Dignity

We recognize the inherent worth of every person by treating everyone with respect, compassion, and kindness.

Respect

We hold everyone in the highest regard by listening with empathy, valuing diverse perspectives, and acting with integrity.

Integrity

We act transparently, honestly, and ethically in all decisions and communications, maintaining trust.

Excellence

We pursue continuous improvement, evidence-based practices, and high-quality outcomes across care and benefits.

Compassion

We show empathy and understanding in every interaction, providing care that respects mental, physical, and emotional needs.

Accountability

We take responsibility for outcomes, measure performance, fix problems quickly, and own our commitments.

Stewardship

We responsibly manage public resources, facilities, and personnel to sustain services for current and future veterans.

Collaboration

We coordinate across federal, state, and community partners to deliver integrated support and seamless transitions.

Innovation

We embrace data, technology, and new approaches that improve outcomes, reduce barriers, and simplify veteran experiences.

Portrait of Secretary Robert Ator of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs.
Portrait of Secretary Robert Ator of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs.

Executive Team

Colonel (Ret) Robert A. Ator ||

Read Bio
Portrait of Wayne Ruthven, Deputy Secretary and Chief of Staff at the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs.
Portrait of Wayne Ruthven, Deputy Secretary and Chief of Staff at the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs.

Colonel (Ret) Wayne Ruthven

Read Bio