The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) has designated eight communities from across the United States as “Great American Defense Communities”
for providing unwavering support to service members and military families. Hampton Roads, VA is being recognized for its tremendous support it provides to military-connected children through innovative school programs and community-based support organizations.
Other recognized communities are:
The Alamo – San Antonio Region, TX
The Charleston Region, SC
Christian County, KY
The Fort Hood – Central Texas Region
Maricopa County, AZ
Sierra Vista, AZ
The Governments of Southeastern Connecticut
“All eight in the 2017 class of honorees truly embody the ideals this initiative was designed to celebrate — making host communities for our nation’s military installations ‘Great Places to Call Home,’” said ADC President Mike Cooper. The eight regions are being recognized during a special reception and the congressional breakfast during the Defense Communities National Summit in Washington, DC, June 19-21, 2017.
The Great American Defense Communities program was designed to highlight the unique contributions of cities, counties, and regions that improve quality of life for service members, veterans, and their families. The 2017 class of communities was selected from dozens of nominees based on factors such as education, job opportunities, housing, family support during deployments and community appreciation. ADC is a national nonprofit organization that 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. With nearly 300 communities, states, regions and affiliated industry organizations, ADC represents every major defense community in the nation.
For more information about the Great American Defense Communities program, visit the ADC website at
www.defensecommunities.org.