The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaimed November 2025 as Veterans and Military Families Month. Neighborhood and Community Services is proud to support this effort through the Veterans and Military Families Commission, created by the Board in 2024 to identify challenges faced by county veterans, active-duty military and their families.

At the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, Commission Chair Penny Gross, the former Mason District Supervisor, gave a report summarizing the state of veterans’ affairs in Fairfax County and the commission’s work since it was created by the Board in July 2024.

The commission, supported by NCS staff, is comprised of 20 Board-appointed community representatives. The commission connects veterans and active-duty military members with services and supports, addresses gaps in services and opportunities, improves access to service systems, and enhances the institutional structures across the continuum of care for the military community.

According to the report, the commission:

• Adopted principles for its work, including a commitment to dignity and security, being strategic and disciplines in research and recommendations.
• Identified five key issues – economics, education, family, health and housing.
• Will undertake an online needs assessment survey in early January 2026. This survey will provide more insight into the needs and experiences of veterans and military families in the county.
• Is planning an online central hub linking veterans to more resources.

“Fairfax County is home to 65,000 veterans, and an estimated 14,000 military-connected students are enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools,” said NCS Veterans Coordinator Chris Pulley. “But we have identified continuing challenges these men and women face living here. The cost of living remains troublesome, and homeownership is out of reach for many. We are experiencing a military ‘brain drain’ as too many transitioning service members leave the area as the cost of living is so high. Families also struggle with high child care costs and challenges with spousal employment.”

For a listing of County veterans’ services, please visit Fairfax County’s Military and Veterans resource page.

View the proclamation.

Click photo to open a high-resolution version.