Space Command is an opportunity and challenge
After hanging in limbo for more than four years, U.S. Space Command is finally coming to Alabama.
The Trump administration recently reversed the Biden administration’s decision to keep Space Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado, siding instead with the Air Force’s original determination that Huntsville was the best site for Space Command headquarters.
The Air Force, which chose Huntsville in 2021, projected it would cost $429 million less to build Space Command in north Alabama than in Colorado.
Huntsville has been a space and military hub since the days of Apollo, and that has led to growth in other high-tech and aerospacerelated industries, from the Mazda-Toyota Manufacturing facility in Limestone County to the United Launch Alliance rocket assembly plant in Decatur.
The area is straining to keep up with the rapid growth that has seen Limestone County become the state’s fastest growing county, and Huntsville overtake Birmingham as the state’s largest city.
North Alabama officials are hopeful the spill-off effects will ripple throughout the rest of the Tennessee Valley.
“I hope this is going to be good for north Alabama,” said Kevin Jackson, president of the Shoals Economic Development Authority. “I’m excited to hear that’s happening.”
State Rep. Kerry Underwood, R-Tuscumbia, said Space Command will create numerous jobs through spinoff industries and the Shoals is an ideal fit.
“We’re all going to be better for this and I’m glad it’s relocated back to the place it started,” he said. “The timing couldn’t be better. Everything seems to be working out just like it’s supposed to. We’re positioned, that’s for sure.”
The Space Command decision should inject some new vitality into north Alabama’s economy. And Congressman Robert Aderholt believes we’re ready.
“North Alabama is ready for the transition,” said Aderholt, “and the benefits will be felt across the entire country.”
Liberty and pursuit of knowledge Second graders in the Franklin County School System have embarked on a 10-week program to learn more about what it means to be a “Super Citizen.”
The Liberty Learning Foundation’s program blends civics, character education, history and financial literacy.
Last week’s launch event featured Libby Liberty, a costumed performer representing the Statue of Liberty. Her summation of the program contained a very important message to all the students, as well as their parents and residents of the cities and towns in Franklin County: “You’re going to learn more about me, our [nation’s] history, and what it means to hold the most important title in the United States of America – and that title is citizen,” Libby Liberty said.
Think about that for a moment. For all of us born citizens of the U.S., and those who move to our country and work hard to become naturalized citizens, her comment should give you pause to reflect upon the significance of being a citizen of this great country. The term “citizen” really is the most important title the average U.S. resident will ever hold.
Over the next two and a half months, our second graders will focus upon the importance of three key words – citizen, community and appreciation. And when the program comes to an end, they will be better prepared to be the next generation of “Super Citizens.”
The journey is an exciting and very important one, said Libby Liberty as she closed out the launch event.
“You are the next great Americans,” she told the second graders. “When I go back home to my island in New York City, I’m going to raise my torch a little higher when I think about each and every one of you.
And we should do the same, raising the spirits of these youngsters higher with our praise and support as they learn about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – knowledge they will use for the rest of their lives.
