Governor Robert Bentley visited Fort Rucker Sept. 20 to tour the post and airfields extensively for the first time since taking office.
Commanding General Kevin Mangum, as well as state state Sen. Jimmy Holley, state Reps. Barry Moore, Steve Clouse, Mike Jones and Jay Love joined Bentley during the tour.
"It's a pleasure to come and see what this means not only to this part of the state, but also to America," Bentley said. "This is very important not only to the military, but also for our local economy."
As one of the top employers in Alabama, Fort Rucker plays a major role in the state's economy with both military and contractor personnel.
"It's very important for the economic well-being of the Wiregrass, and actually the whole Southern part of the state," he said.
Bentley said it would be difficult to replicate the mission and work completed at Fort Rucker at any other location.
"I really wanted to see the training that goes on here. I wanted to see the physical impact of what we see here today," Bentley said. "I'm just very honored, having served in the military myself, and seeing this makes me proud not only of Alabama, but of America."
Bentley said he was impressed by the precision of work completed on Fort Rucker daily and the close work with flight students.
"They come and in just a few weeks they're flying these helicopters and once they learn, it not only gives them a skill, but it protects America. It's just very impressive," Bentley said.
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