Charleston, S.C. — The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) and the Defense Communities Caucus today designated 10 communities from across the nation as “Great American Defense Communities” for providing unwavering support to service members and military families.
The Great American Defense Communities program was launched this year to acknowledge the unique contributions cities, counties and regions that host installations make to improve quality of life for service members, veterans and their families. This inaugural class of communities was selected by a panel of defense community advocates and experts from dozens of nominees based on the broad range of efforts they carry out on behalf of military personnel and their families, covering areas such as education, job opportunities, housing, family support during deployments and community appreciation.
“All 10 of our inaugural class of honorees truly embodied the ideals this initiative was designed to celebrate — making host communities for our nation’s military installations ‘Great Places to Call Home,’” said ADC CEO Tim Ford.
“The Great American Defense Communities program will help ADC and the Defense Communities Caucus share positive stories about the exemplary efforts being made in communities to support defense installations and their personnel,” Ford said.
The inaugural class of honorees includes:
- Colorado Springs, Colo.
- Dayton, Ohio
- Leonard Wood Region, Mo.
- Goldsboro, N.C.
- Grand Forks, N.D.
- Lawton, Okla.
- Flint Hills Region, Kan.
- Monterey, Calif.
- Okaloosa County, Fla.
- South Puget Sound, Wash.
This year’s class will be recognized throughout 2016 at a variety of events in Washington, D.C., including an exhibit and reception on Capitol Hill.
About ADC
ADC builds resilient communities that support America’s military. ADC is the connection point for leaders from communities, states, the military and industry on community-military issues and installation management to enhance knowledge, information sharing and best practices. The association includes nearly 300 communities, states, regions and affiliated industry organizations representing every major defense community/state in the nation. www.defensecommunities.org
