ENTERPRISE, Ala. (WDNews) — The City of Enterprise and Enterprise Chamber of Commerce welcomed Maj. Gen. Phillip C. “Cain” Baker and his family to the Wiregrass during a reception Monday evening.
Baker, his wife, Courtney, and their daughter, Ashley, were welcomed during the event at the Jimmy H. Baker Center for the Arts at Enterprise State Community College.
Local and military leaders, community partners and friends attended the reception, which also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Enterprise and Fort Rucker.
“On behalf of the City of Enterprise, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to our community,” Mayor William E. Cooper Sr. said. “Our partnership has never wavered. In fact, I believe it is stronger now than ever before.”
Cooper spoke about the connection between Enterprise and Fort Rucker and the role military families play in the community.
“Military families have long chosen Enterprise as their home because of what this community has to offer,” Cooper said. “And now, we’re especially glad that the Baker family has chosen to become part of it.”
Cooper also welcomed Ashley Baker, a sophomore at Enterprise High School.
“As a former educator, it means a great deal to me that you chose Enterprise High School,” Cooper said. “You could have gone to another school in the area, but you chose to be a Wildcat … and we are proud to have you.”
During the reception, Cooper presented Baker with a Key to the City.
Courtney Baker received a Boll Weevil Monument brooch from the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce. The brooch was created by a former military spouse in the community and represents one of Enterprise’s most recognized landmarks.
Ashley received a welcome gift basket from Enterprise State Community College President Danny Long.
Cooper also acknowledged the moves and sacrifices military families often experience.
“We know that military families make sacrifices with every move, and we want you to know that Enterprise is ready to welcome you, support you and get to know you,” Cooper said.
Baker serves as commanding general of the Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker.
He thanked the community for its support and said the partnership between Fort Rucker and Enterprise remains important.
“We appreciate everybody’s welcome. We are glad to be back here. We can only do what we do with the partnership of Enterprise, Alabama,” Baker said. “That’s the schools, the churches and everything that makes this a great town.”
Baker also reflected on previous assignments in the area and the growth he has seen in Enterprise.
“Tonight, I can only say thank you, and I look forward to the next two years of being a part of your community.”
The reception also included several welcome gifts for the Baker family, including a Key to the City for Baker. Baker thanked the community and said Fort Rucker’s mission depends on its partnership with Enterprise.
