New Department For Veterans Affairs Opens In Raleigh

North Carolina veterans are receiving some welcome political attention. A new state agency has been created to address the issues they face.

Gov. Pat McCrory helped cut the ribbon Tuesday on the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, housed in a historic building in downtown Raleigh.

The cabinet-level state agency will address issues that had previously been divvied up among several separate departments.

The goal is to lobby for North Carolina's military bases, and make sure veterans get assistance related to employment, healthcare and education.

Cornell Wilson, McCrory's previous military affairs advisor, will lead the department.

Wilson told the News and Observer that having cabinet-level status will allow his agency to “get done what needs to be done.”