The military doesn’t always conjure up warm and fuzzy feelings in some communities across the U.S.

Some of that is probably the military’s own doing. Some of it is misplaced frustrations by upset citizens.

That is why I always have been pleased in Alpena, where residents have openly embraced and supported a military presence in the community. In Alpena, when people hear a jet streaking across the sky or the distinct “thump-thump-thump” of a low-flying helicopter’s whirling blades, they understand those are the sounds of freedom.

When men and women dressed in military fatigues show up at a restaurant or are seen walking downtown, more often than not, they are greeted warmly and thanked for their service to the country.

I always have appreciated that about Northeast Michigan residents. We still are a community where, on the Fourth of July, the crowd rises, claps, and places their hands over their hearts as military veterans carry the U.S. flag down Chisholm Street and onto 2nd Avenue.

I am reminded of those thoughts as, starting today, Operation Northern Strike returns to the region.

From now through Aug. 20, the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center and Camp Grayling Maneuver Training Center will be home for National Guard units from 19 states and troops from several coalition countries, including Latvia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

And, during these weeks, the out-of-town guests will get some of the best military training and simulated situations they could ever hope for.

“For a decade, Northern Strike has evolved into one of our nation’s most important tools for shaping our reserve forces into some of the best warfighters in the world,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Adam Jenzen, Northern Strike land component exercise director.

In addition to the Alpena and Grayling sites, new airports to be added into the Northern Strike experience this year include the Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport, and Battle Creek Executive Airport.

Most all of us are familiar with what the next two weeks will be like. Yes, there might be a few disruptions, perhaps a bit of extra noise in the skies, and, most likely, some longer wait lines to be seated at restaurants.

At the same time, however, we understand those minor inconveniences are just that — minor. They pale in comparison to the sacrifice and duty those brave men and women who are training here are going through.

And, because we understand that fact, we all have embraced the important role the CRTC plays in our community.

And, make no mistake, the entire community benefits greatly from the exercises every year. Military officials estimate approximately $30 million will be pumped into the northern Michigan economy over these next two weeks based on military pay, travel expenses, and local expenses for things like food and entertainment.

For many of our local merchants and businesses, Northern Strike is a good shot in the arm each summer that adds to the seasonal tourism economy.

And, trust me, military officials appreciate communities like ours where they are embraced.

“The local communities of Northern Michigan have been critical in growing Northern Strike over the last decade, ” said Jenzen. “The patriotism and support they continue to provide has truly helped amplify the readiness of the men and women who serve our state and nation.”

Yes, the skies might be a bit louder in the days ahead.

I suspect that, like previous years, none of us will mind that fact one bit.

Bill Speer recently retired as the publisher and editor of The News. He can be reached at bspeer@thealpenanews.com.