MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The highest ranking military officer in Alabama thanked the state for its continued support of the Armed Services.
"Alabama doesn't just talk about supporting the military; it takes action to support the military," said Army Materiel Command's Commanding General, Gen. Gus Perna to a Legislative Joint Session honoring Alabama's service members, veterans and Department of Defense civilians in the State House Chamber.
Governor Kay Ivey declared Feb. 15 "Military Appreciation Day" in Alabama, noting that the state celebrates its military not just one day, but all year long.
"In Alabama we have a deep respect for those who serve our county," Ivey said in a luncheon following the session. "All around the state I see examples of the fine work these men and women do and it is important to recognize and thank our military members whenever we can.'"
The result of that support, Perna said, is more than 51,000 people in Alabama either currently serve in the military or work for the DOD as a civilian.
"This is 51,000 people who were raised, educated and brought up in Alabama with a higher purpose to serve their country and you should be very proud of that," he said. "While that's impressive, the number I find even more remarkable is the 350,000 veterans who live in Alabama today. At one time these 350,000 people served something bigger than themselves and then decided to call this great state home."
Perna celebrated the service of six Alabama veterans from Kelly Ingram, a firefighter in Jefferson County who was the first Navy sailor killed in World War I, to Lydrell Nettles of Selma, who received Army Commendation Medals with Valor during both of his tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"These people, your DNA, were raised, educated and brought up -- physically fit, mentally fit, morally fit -- to think bigger than themselves, bigger than their families and they went into harm's way. That is why I stand here today and represent our total military for Military Appreciation Day," Perna said.
Alabama's military installations include Redstone Arsenal, Anniston Army Depot, Fort Rucker, Maxwell Air Force Base and the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile.
"Our senior leaders are dedication to our forces, to our men and women, and making sure that we are always ready to do what we need to do," Perna said. "I swore an oath to defend the United States' Constitution and like the men and women serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, I wake up every day with that oath in my mind."
Perna met with key Alabama law makers, members of the Military Stability Commission and Alabama National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon.
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