Alabama National Guard Thanks Personnel After 43-Day Federal Funding Lapse
Montomgery- Alabama’s Adjutant General, Major General David K. Pritchett, has issued a statement praising the dedication and resilience of Alabama National Guard members and federal technicians following a 43-day federal funding lapse that left many employees working without pay.
In a letter addressed to “Fellow Guardsmen and Civilian Defenders of Alabama,” Pritchett thanked the Guard’s 1,038 Title 32 and Title 5 federal employees who “held the Line” throughout the shutdown. He commended their willingness to report for duty despite not knowing when pay would resume, calling their resolve a reflection of the discipline and character of the organization.
Pritchett noted that although early in the shutdown leadership determined that the Guard’s full federal technician workforce would be required to continue working, employees stepped into their roles “without complaint” and without allowing any lapse in mission-critical duties. He said aircraft were maintained, facilities secured, training sustained, and operations executed because personnel understood that commitment to the mission was paramount.
Leaders across the state also worked to support the workforce during the disruption, Pritchett said, emphasizing that caring for Guard members—uniformed and civilian—is an essential part of the organization’s values.
To recognize the hardship endured, Pritchett directed the Alabama National Guard Human Resources Office to immediately award 40 hours of compensatory time to every technician who worked through the shutdown without pay. “I am grateful daily for all you do; I have never served with a better team,” he wrote.
Recent legislation passed in Washington authorizes full back pay for all excepted and furloughed employees. According to Pritchett, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service has begun processing payments, though it may take several days for out-of-cycle pay to reach employees. He encouraged personnel to monitor official updates closely to avoid additional delays.
Pritchett cautioned that although the shutdown has ended for now, uncertainty remains. The current federal Continuing Resolution only funds government operations through the end of January 2026. He urged members of the Guard to review their financial readiness and take note of which institutions and individuals offered support during the difficult period.
Despite the challenges, Pritchett said the Alabama National Guard once again demonstrated its reliability and professionalism. “You were the Line,” he wrote. “You protected readiness and projected strength… You ensured that Alabama’s communities could rely on us even when federal uncertainty was at its highest.”
He closed by thanking all members for standing firm and for representing the state with “talent, stepping forward, and being the example our state and nation expect.”
“It is an honor to work alongside each of you,” Pritchett wrote.
