United States Senator Katie Britt, R-Alabama, on Tuesday shared a press release touting her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee in opening the new PFC Garfield M. Langhorn Training Complex at Fort Rucker.
Fort Rucker last week held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the barracks facility, which will train and house more than 300 soldiers undergoing advanced individual training at the base. Britt secured $41.2 million for the project in Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations.
Enterprise Mayor William E. Cooper said Britt’s support helped bring greater federal attention and investment to south Alabama and the Wiregrass.
“Fort Rucker is much more than a military installation—it is the home of Army Aviation, the fifth-largest employer in Alabama, and an economic engine generating more than $9 billion annually for our state,” Cooper said. “More importantly, it is where America’s Army aviators are trained to defend our nation, and where thousands of soldiers and military families call home.
“Britt understands that investing in Army Aviation is investing in our national security. Her leadership has helped ensure that Fort Rucker remains the premier location for training the world’s finest military aviators while strengthening the communities that proudly support them.”
Daleville Mayor Jayme Stayton said Fort Rucker is integral to the Wiregrass.
“Fort Rucker is more than our neighbor—it is part of who we are,” Stayton said. “The soldiers, civilian workforce, retirees and military families who call the Wiregrass home strengthen our schools, businesses, churches and communities every single day.
“That is why we are grateful for Britt’s strong advocacy on behalf of Fort Rucker and Army Aviation. She recognizes that maintaining America’s dominance in military aviation requires continued investment in the installation, its infrastructure and the communities that support its mission.”
Ozark Mayor Charles R. Ward said Britt has supported the Wiregrass and Fort Rucker.
“We are thankful for the strong support she continues to show our soldiers, military families and the people of southeast Alabama,” Ward said. “Her commitment to our military community, economic growth and the success of our region has made a real difference.”
Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba thanked Alabama’s federal delegation and singled out Britt for her role in funding the complex.
“While every member of our delegation is committed to strengthening Alabama and supporting our military installations, today—as we officially cut the ribbon on the PFC Garfield M. Langhorn AIT Complex—I want to offer special recognition to Britt,” Saliba said. “Her vision, leadership and determination guided this project through the appropriations process and helped secure the funding necessary to bring it to fruition.
“The investments Britt secured in the Fiscal Year 2024 funding package—and her continued commitment to supporting Fort Rucker in the years since—help ensure that the Home of Army Aviation remains at the forefront of military readiness.”
Pinckard Mayor Bobby Borland said Britt has been a strong advocate for Fort Rucker and the surrounding communities.
“Britt has been a strong advocate for the soldiers, military families, civilian workforce and surrounding communities that make Fort Rucker an essential part of our region and our nation’s defense,” Borland said. “Her continued support for the installation and its mission reflects a deep understanding of the vital role Fort Rucker plays in our local economy, our national security and the quality of life throughout the Wiregrass.
“Together, we are grateful for Britt’s leadership, advocacy and commitment to preserving and strengthening Fort Rucker’s mission.”
