HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — This week the city of Huntsville is saluting our community heroes by hosting Armed Forces Week! It's a time to recognize the accomplishments of the men and women in the community who serve and those who support our Armed Forces.
A celebration luncheon was held at the Von Braun Center Tuesday, where the event speaker Deputy Commanding General and Acting Commander of U.S. Army Materiel Command, Lieutenant General Cristopher Mohan explained that young men and women across our country are simply not joining the Armed Forces the way they used to. But, currently in the state of Alabama there is good news. "I checked with the Army's recruiting company in Huntsville. Enlistments are the highest they've been in five years. And we're continuing to excel. And this year, we're on track to have a 52% increase from where we were last year. And by the way, that's not just Huntsville. That's the state of Alabama as well."
Retired Major General Jim Myles said he can take a good guess as to why that stat is so. "You truly can be the best version of yourself by going to the military and being in a position where it's not about you, it's about a mission that's bigger than you. And taking care of this country and protecting it is about as good as it gets."
Redstone Arsenal Command Sergeant Major Dylan Lemasters continued by sharing that Armed Forces Week is very important to him because it helps build the relationship between the Armed Forces and the community of Huntsville. "It really gets us to share an understanding. I think a lot of that sometimes is lost, like you have the Hollywood version of what the military is and then you have the reality of it. So, I think it's important that we grow together."