HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Dec. 13, 2011) -- Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, U.S. Army Materiel Command commanding general, accepted the keys to Madison County, Huntsville city and Madison city during a "Hail to AMC" luncheon here, Dec. 12.
"You reached out to us six years ago when we started this incredible journey. We didn't skip a beat [during the move] and you supported us every step of the way," Dunwoody said.
AMC was among the commands affected by the 2005 Base Closure and Realignment Commission, or BRAC, resulting in the relocation of approximately 11,000 of AMC's more than 70,000 employees to various locations across the United States.
One out of six6 AMC employees were faced with the decision of whether or not to move their families.
1,324 positions and $102 million in salaries and contracts moved from Fort Belvoir, Va., to Redstone Arsenal, Ala., including an economic impact of approximately $170 million, Dunwoody told approximately 800 attendees at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce event.
John B. Nerger, executive deputy to the Commanding General, presented a more detailed explanation of AMC's role and current status in a changing fiscal environment.
Concluding the luncheon was a brief award presentation.
"Thank you for all you do, not only for our community but much more importantly for our country and our freedoms," Charlie Kettle, 2011 board chair of the Chamber of Commerce, said as he presented a plaque to Dunwoody.
"The key to the city goes to people who are key to our economy, who are key to our community, and also key to making us the success that we are. Thank you for coming to Huntsville and thank you for being a part of our community," said Tommy Battle, mayor of Huntsville, as he presented Dunwoody with the key.
Paul Finley, mayor of Madison, presented the keys to Madison city and the Commission Chairman of Madison County, Mike Gillespie, jokingly gave Dunwoody the keys to the jail, saying that it wouldn't get her out of jail but should feel free to visit.
"It's incredibly important to have AMC here. Besides dollars it brings new people, new personalities, new energy to the community," Kettle said. "It's a great extension of the historic and wonderful relationship we've had with the military."
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