After a series of legislative wins for Alabama’s military families in February, Governor Kay Ivey proclaimed February 24 Military Appreciation Day in Alabama.
With the passage of the Military Stability Commission 2022 legislative package through the Alabama Senate a couple of weeks ago, the Department of Defense increased the quality of life for servicemembers and their families, making Alabama the most military friendly state in the nation.
The day kicked off with a Military Appreciation Breakfast hosted by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth and the Military Stability Commission and Foundation. It featured Army Materiel Command Deputy Commander, Lieutenant General Donnie Walker from Redstone Arsenal.
Walker spoke to the importance of providing spousal licensure reciprocity and quality options for public education for military families.
Following breakfast, Walker met with Ivey where she signed the proclamation declaring February 24 Military Appreciation Day.
The House of Representatives unanimously passed all six bills in the Military Stability Commission legislative agenda, sending the bills on to the Governor for her signature.
“Alabama is home to thousands of active-duty members, reservists and some 400,000 veterans that play a vital role in preserving our country’s freedom and safety,” Ivey said. “As governor, it is a major priority of mine to do everything in my power to ensure Alabama remains one of the most military friendly states in America.
Following the signing of the proclamation, there was a Joint Legislative Session presided over by Lt. Gov. Ainsworth. Representative Howard Sanderford (R-Huntsville), who had arranged for Walker to attend, introduced Walker for his remarks on the House floor.
Walker is an Alabama native. After his speech, he was presented with a flag that had flown over the state Capitol.
“The work they do supports our military, our families, our veterans, and our retirees,” Walker said. “And that’s very, very important in terms of the quality of life it provides them by either serving while on active duty here in Alabama, or in their life decision to retire and live in Alabama.”
