Fort Rucker-Wiregrass Chapter AUSA is a Voice for Those Who Serve

Residents and business owners in Dale County, Alabama, have the option to join the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Fort Rucker-Wiregrass Chapter. This organization has more than 20,000 members locally and is free to join at the basic membership level. The Fort Rucker-Wiregrass Chapter’s footprint extends from Montgomery to Mobile and is part of 122 chapters nationwide.

“AUSA looks different in every chapter,” says Tanya Hatley, Executive Director of AUSA, Fort Rucker - Wiregrass Chapter. “Our proximity to Fort Rucker means we support a lot of active duty members and their families, but AUSA is also a voice for the National Guard and retired service members.”  

AUSA recently had its three-day annual meeting in Washington, D.C., to review issues affecting the Army and better understand how communities can meet those needs. Holle Smith, President of the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), was in attendance. This conference allows the EDC to take a big-picture view of Army relations locally, especially when focused on business attraction and development. 

AUSA Speaks to Congress Because the Army Cannot 

Congressional advocacy is one of the most valuable roles of AUSA. The Army cannot go to Congress to advocate for its needs (such as base refurbishments or pay raises for service members), so the AUSA speaks on its behalf. This is where the extensive membership is beneficial. AUSA has more than 2.4 million members globally. The more people are involved in AUSA, the louder a voice it can have.  

However, AUSA is more than a voice in Washington, D.C. It also supports families across Dale County with scholarships, food assistance programs, and holiday fundraisers to ensure kids enjoy happy childhood memories.

People join AUSA to support the Army but also to get involved in local programs that build up Dale County and the Wiregrass Region as a whole. 

The Defense Industry Has a $50.3 Billion Impact Statewide

Smith at the EDC is involved in AUSA because she believes in supporting the Army and because of its role as a liaison between local governments and military institutions. AUSA often works closely with local communities when they need to engage with the Army, either to create new defense-related programs or to welcome new businesses.

“We help cities understand what the military needs,” says Hatley.

Positive Army relations are particularly important in Alabama. As of 2023, the defense industry has a $50.3 billion impact on the state and provides 264,780 jobs across Alabama. The Fort Rucker Region has the second-largest defense footprint in Alabama, with an estimated impact of 28,865 jobs and a $2.7 billion payroll.

There are significant economic opportunities with such a large local defense footprint. Smith has already worked closely with Fort Rucker this year to help launch a new drone skills development facility, with opportunities to make Dale County an unmanned aerial systems (UAS) innovation hub in the coming years, particularly with the recent announcement that Fort Rucker has been selected for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Autonomy Center of Excellence.

Community Involvement Grows Dale County in the Long Run 

While defense development has an immediate impact on the economy, the presence of AUSA can help with talent attraction and retention in the long term. When service members leave the Army, they can choose where they live, and many people return to communities their families enjoyed.

“If you have a positive experience in a community, you’re more likely to stay in that community,” says Hatley.

Community events, support systems, and other organizations that help the Army can help keep people here (and bring people back) once they retire from service. This grows the Dale County population and brings skilled veterans into the workforce. More veteran families in the area can also foster entrepreneurship and job creation as they turn big ideas into viable companies.  

“Any engaged citizen or business can join AUSA,” says Hatley. “There are a ton of benefits to joining, and it shows that you support the Army and its impact locally.”  

Learn More About Life in Dale County 

Dale County, Alabama, boasts a high quality of life with several engaged residents participating in community events and groups. Its communities support the nearby defense industry and other businesses across the region. When the right people and business investments come together, this part of Southeast Alabama can grow.

Connect with the EDC today and learn why Ozark is recognized as an Alabama Community of Excellence.