Alabama’s Top Military Honored At Governor’s Annual Luncheon

It’s not often you see Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force all in one room together.

They all came together for the Governor’s Annual Military Awards Luncheon.

Governor Robert Bentley has been honoring the best of the best in the state for about 5 years.

“You know, I was in the military myself, I’m a veteran, and I just think it’s so important that we honor the men and women who will give really part of their life to serve our country,” said Gov. Bentley.

The awards date back even further. 30 years ago a handful of men and women were honored, and now it’s grown even more.

Adjutant General Perry Smith is over the Alabama National Guard.

He says days like this are very important.

“That’s what the military is all about, identifying people who will take the initiative and do things positive, and do the right thing, drug free, get to work early and leave late, just do outstanding work!” said Gen. Smith.

And just down the road on the Air Force Base, the Army cut the ribbon on a brand new recruiting office.

They were over on Gunter Annex for about 50 years, needing a new home to find the next generation of the state’s top soldiers.

“I just didn’t think that the facilities because they were so old, they went through several renovations, but it didn’t really represent the professional organization that we are,” said Lt. Col. Keisha Douglass.