BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
PHOTOS BY SARAH STEPHENS, ALABAMA NATIONAL GUARD, ALLISON POWELL
Throughout Autauga, Elmore and surroundings counties, our population is boosted by active-duty military, National Guard and military retirees. Their sacrifice and dedication was honored Tuesday in Montgomery as part of Military Appreciation Week and Veterans Day coming Nov. 11.
Area Mayors, officials and honored guests filled the atrium at the Alabama National Guard Joint Force Headquarters speaking of the importance of our military, past and present.
The Alabama National Guard hosted the annual Military Appreciation Week Proclamation signing. In honor of Veteran’s Day on Thursday, Nov. 11, the River Region shows its appreciation throughout the week of November 7 – 13, 2021, and further proclaims, “the official slogan of the week to be FREEDOM is not free…Thank you U.S. Military.”
Honorable guests included Elton Dean, Chairman, Montgomery County Commission; Al Kelley, Mayor of Millbrook; Gordon Stone, Mayor of Pike Road; Bill Gillespie, Mayor of Prattville; Lawrence Haygood Jr., Mayor of Tuskegee; Jerry Willis, Mayor of Wetumpka; Lt. Gen. James Hecker, Commander, and President of Air University; Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon, The Adjutant General of the State of Alabama, Cedric Campbell, Chairman-Elect, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Chip Hill represented Mayor Steven Reed, Montgomery, and Mr. Bill Hall represented John Hammock, Mayor of Tallassee.
Mayors spoke of the impact Veterans have on the fabric of their communities, extending their appreciation for all who serve and have served in the military.
Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley said he is incredibly proud of our military community. “It makes me proud to be here. We feel safe. You have our backs. We want you to know that we have your backs also. Our population in Millbrook has a large amount of active military. But a group that also makes a tremendous difference are the retired veterans. They volunteer their time and continue to serve. We are honoring all of you all week, but it should be every day.”
Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie said it is an honor to recognize veterans. He referenced the enormous American flag hanging behind the podium. “It makes me proud to stand here.” Gillespie talked about retirees in his community that make a huge difference every day. Their years of active-duty service may have ended for the military, but they took up the challenge of now serving their communities. He encouraged visitors to visit downtown Prattville to see the banners dedicated to veterans which line streets in the area.
Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis said he appreciates being a part of such a wonderful and worthy program. “So many military have moved to our communities,” he said. Both active duty and retired military add to the unique tapestry of his town, and continue to serve their country and their own neighborhoods. They have started businesses and made investments in the community. “I’m telling you the military has made an impact in our area. I appreciate what you do.”
Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon addressed the audience saying, “You have designated a week of appreciation, you speak of our being here giving you a safe feeling – yet it is you who support us year round. You have created a partnership. You cannot mention the Red Tails and not think of Alabama. The River Region is the reason Alabama is a military friendly state.”
The proclamation signed by officials Tuesday authorizes banners bearing this slogan to be posted and call upon all citizens and businesses to recognize the impact our military members and their families have on our communities as we recognize their sacrifice, support, and dedication to us all.
