(a) Any person in any branch or service of the government of the United States of America, including those in the military, air, and naval service, and the husband or wife of any such person, if he or she is living within the borders of the State of Alabama, shall be deemed to be a resident of the State of Alabama for the purpose of commencing any civil action in the courts of this state.
(b) This section shall be liberally construed and be given retrospective as well as prospective effect.