Congressman Mike Rogers Visits Centre, Highlights Local Progress and National Priorities
CENTRE, Ala. – Congressman Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and longtime representative of Alabama’s Third Congressional District, made a visit to Centre on Tuesday, where he met with local officials and toured several key sites under development in Cherokee County. WEIS Radio was honored to accompany Congressman Rogers during his visit.
A sixth-generation East Alabamian, Congressman Rogers grew up in Calhoun County in the small mill village of Blue Mountain. His mother worked in a textile mill and his father served as a firefighter. Rogers credits his parents with instilling in him the values of family, hard work, and sacrifice.
A graduate of Saks High School, Rogers earned both his undergraduate degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Jacksonville State University, later graduating with honors from the Birmingham School of Law. Before entering politics, he practiced law and owned a small business in Calhoun County. He and his wife, Beth, have been married for over 40 years and have three children.
Since his first election to Congress in 2002, Congressman Rogers has become a recognized leader on national security issues. He currently chairs the House Armed Services Committee and previously served as Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security. His district includes the Anniston Army Depot, and he has been a tireless advocate for military readiness, ensuring warfighters have access to the best equipment and training.
One of Rogers’ significant achievements is initiating and overseeing the creation of the U.S. Space Force, part of a broader effort to address emerging threats and shift national security focus toward space and technological domains. He continues to work on national defense priorities, including countering threats from China and other adversaries.
Tour of Cherokee County Sheriff’s Training Center
Congressman Rogers began his visit with a tour of the new Cherokee County Sheriff’s Training Center, guided by Sheriff Jeff Shaver. Rogers praised the facility and was especially impressed with how the Sheriff’s Department managed the project as its own contractor, which he highlighted as a model of fiscal responsibility.
Present for the tour were representatives from the Cherokee County Engineering Department, Commissioners Ronnie Shaw and Randy Jones, Leesburg Mayor Brandy Pierce, members of the Sheriff’s Department, and Rogers’ staff. After the tour, Congressman Rogers engaged in a roundtable conversation with local officials, expressing admiration for the center’s potential to support multi-agency training efforts.
Tour of New Cherokee County Courthouse Construction Site
Next, Rogers visited the construction site of the new Cherokee County Courthouse, where he was welcomed by Circuit Judge Tim Burgess, District Court Judge Wes Mobley, District Attorney Summer Summerford, Chief Deputy Josh Summerford, and other local leaders. Judges Burgess and Mobley led the tour and provided insight into the planning and construction process.
Rogers commended the project, noting the quality of planning and execution. “Cherokee County has a lot to be proud of right now,” he said, reflecting on the progress and investment in public infrastructure.
Fundraising Luncheon and Community Address
Congressman Rogers concluded his visit at a fundraising luncheon held at Tony’s Steak Barn, attended by members of the Cherokee County Republican Party and area elected officials. During his address, Rogers spoke at length about his role as Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, sharing insights from his meetings with President Donald Trump, the establishment of the Space Force, and U.S. involvement in international conflicts, including developments in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Rogers praised Cherokee County for its recent progress and thanked the local community for its continued support. “I would not be in the powerful role I am now without the voters of Cherokee County electing me and keeping me in office,” he said.
His remarks also touched on agriculture, tariffs, and national policy directions. He shared personal anecdotes and thanked many in the room by name for their support over the years. Following the speech, Rogers took time to personally meet with attendees.
You can listen to his address here:
Congressman Rogers’ visit highlighted both his continued commitment to national security and his strong ties to the local communities in his district. His focus on military readiness, fiscal responsibility, and community development remains central to his work in Congress.
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