WTAS: Senator Britt’s Appropriations Leadership Delivers Again for Alabama, $41.2 Million Appropriations Win Helps Complete New Advanced Individual Training Complex at Fort Rucker

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Katie Britt's (R-Ala.) leadership on the Senate Appropriations Committee led to the opening of the brand-new PFC Garfield M. Langhorn Training Complex on Fort Rucker. Thanks in part to the $41.2 million she secured in Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations, Fort Rucker last week held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new barracks facility that will train and house over 300 Soldiers going through advanced individual training (AIT) on the base.

Here is what they are saying about Senator Britt's role in Fort Rucker's new facility:

City of Enterprise Mayor William E. Cooper:

"On behalf of the City of Enterprise and the entire Wiregrass region, I want to express our sincere appreciation to Senator Katie Britt for her steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to Fort Rucker, Army Aviation, and the men and women who serve our nation. For too long, many in our region felt that South Alabama and the Wiregrass did not receive the same level of federal attention or investment as larger metropolitan areas elsewhere in our state. Senator Britt has helped change that narrative.

"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. 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.

"Senator 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. Our soldiers and their families deserve nothing less than the very best, and Senator Britt has been a true champion in making certain they receive the attention and investment they have earned. We are grateful for her partnership and her continued commitment to the future of Army Aviation, Fort Rucker, and the Wiregrass."

City of Daleville Mayor Jayme Stayton:

"Fort Rucker is more than our neighbor-it is part of who we are. The soldiers, civilian workforce, retirees, and military families who call the Wiregrass home strengthen our schools, businesses, churches, and communities every single day. As Mayor of Daleville, I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact Army Aviation has on our quality of life and our local economy.

"That is why we are grateful for Senator Katie 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. Her leadership sends a clear message that the men and women who train here-and the families who stand beside them-matter to Alabama and matter to our nation.

"The Wiregrass has always answered the call to support our military. It's encouraging to have a United States Senator who is equally committed to supporting us. We appreciate Senator Britt for being a consistent champion for Fort Rucker, for the future of Army Aviation, and for ensuring that this region continues to play a vital role in America's national defense."

City of Ozark Mayor Charles R. Ward:

"Senator Katie Britt has been a true friend to Ozark, 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. Her commitment to our military community, economic growth, and the success of our region has made a real difference. We truly appreciate all she does for our community and our state."

City of Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba:

"On behalf of the citizens of Dothan, the Wiregrass region, and in partnership with our neighboring communities, I want to express my gratitude to our entire federal delegation for their dedicated service to Alabama and to our nation. Every day, they represent us in Washington, D.C., drawing upon their unique experiences and perspectives to serve the people of our state.

"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 Senator Katie Britt. Her vision, leadership, and determination guided this project through the appropriations process and helped secure the funding necessary to bring it to fruition.

"Senator Britt is not only an Alabama native but also a friend and steadfast advocate for the Wiregrass and Fort Rucker. Her commitment demonstrates that continued investment in Army Aviation ensures the next generation of Army aviators will continue to train, excel, and uphold the proud tradition of being 'Above the Best.'

"The Wiregrass would not be what it is today without the men and women who pass through the gates of Fort Rucker each day. From the soldiers training to defend our nation to the civilian workforce that equips and supports them, these dedicated individuals are the reason Fort Rucker remains the cornerstone of our region and a source of pride for the entire Wiregrass.

"The investments Senator 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 and continues to play a vital role in the defense of our nation for generations to come."

Town of Pinckard Mayor Bobby Borland:

"On behalf of the Town of Pinckard, Mayor Bobby Borland, and the entire Wiregrass region, we extend our sincere appreciation to Katie Britt for her steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to the continued success of Fort Rucker.

"Senator 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. 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.

"Mayor Bobby Borland's connection to Fort Rucker is deeply personal. Having grown up just outside the installation, Fort Rucker has always been more than a neighboring military post-it has been an integral part of his family's heritage and way of life. His mother, father, and grandfather each dedicated their careers to Fort Rucker before retiring, creating a multigenerational legacy of service that instilled in him a profound respect for the men and women who serve our nation.

"Today, Mayor Borland continues that legacy through his unwavering support of Fort Rucker and its mission. As Mayor of Pinckard, he recognizes the installation as an invaluable economic engine, community partner, and source of pride for southeast Alabama. He also proudly serves on the Board of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), where he actively advocates for the installation, its soldiers, military families, veterans, and the surrounding communities. He has always been willing to step forward in in support of Fort Rucker and work alongside others to ensure its continued success.

"Together, we are grateful for Senator Britt's leadership, advocacy, and commitment to preserving and strengthening Fort Rucker's mission. Her partnership with our military communities and the people of the Wiregrass has made a lasting impact, and we thank her for her continued service to Alabama and our nation."

AL.com: $41 million investment: Ft. Rucker opens new barracks, facility championed by Katie Britt

"Sen. Katie Britt secured $41.2 million in federal funding in a 2024 defense budget for the complex at Fort Rucker, which will be used to house and train more than 300 soldiers going through advanced individual training.

"'Fort Rucker is special,' Britt said in remarks Thursday. 'I'm looking at many men and women who have answered the call.'

"'I remain committed to ensuring that our war fighter is best trained, equipped, and ready across the planet,' she said."

Yellowhammer News: Britt celebrates new Fort Rucker barracks completed with $41.2 million she secured: 'A long time coming'

"The complex represents Fort Rucker's first new barracks since 1998 and will house approximately 320 soldiers. Britt secured the final $41.2 million needed for construction through the Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill.

"'The men and women that serve here are heroes,' Britt said during the ceremony. 'They deserve the quality of life and experience that their sacrifice put forth.'

"Britt said the new facility will finally provide aviation soldiers with the modern living conditions they have needed for years.

"'I know that this is going to modernize the living conditions for aviation soldiers in training, and it's going to provide them with the facilities they have long awaited,' she said. 'Look, this has been a long time coming. I'm grateful to our military leaders and grateful to our communities, and grateful to those who continue to bring attention to this.'"

Alabama Daily News: Fort Rucker opens new barracks bolstered by federal funds

"U.S. Sen. Katie Britt touted how she secured $41.2 million as part of a military construction spending bill to help complete the construction of the complex, which began in 2024.

"'The men and women… that serve here are heroes,' Britt, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in remarks. 'I know that this is going to modernize the living conditions for aviation soldiers in training, and it's going to provide them with the facilities they have long awaited.'"

Alabama Political Reporter: Sen. Britt opens new Fort Rucker training complex for soldiers

"Britt said she looked forward to soldiers moving into the barracks and to the continued presence of Army aviation in the Wiregrass.

"'It is an honor to represent you and work shoulder to shoulder with so many of you here,' Britt said. 'God Bless our troops. God Bless our Army. God Bless our Army aviators. And God Bless the United States of America.'

"Britt grew up near Fort Rucker in Enterprise and said she has supported construction, training and operations at the base throughout her time in the Senate.

"Britt secured an additional $28.4 million for Fort Rucker in the fiscal 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The funding includes construction of flight control towers, a medical evacuation support facility and an aircraft maintenance hangar."

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