Association of Defense Communities

11/30/2023

Earlier this year, ADC spoke to education leaders, students, and military members in the City of Montgomery, Alabama Government about the Montgomery River Region's efforts to expand educational opportunities to

Montgomery, Alabama was recognized as a Great American Defense Community by the Association of Defense Communities in 2023, sponsored by USAA.

Learn more:

ADC spoke to education leaders, students, and military members in Montgomery, Alabama about the Montgomery River Region's efforts to expand educational oppor...

11/29/2023

- The perfect way to show you care about the children of those who sacrifice to serve us all. https://bit.ly/3ux5EBQ

11/29/2023

Did you miss the opening General Session at Installation Innovation Forum 2023? We have you covered. Listen to prominent military leaders representing each service engage in a comprehensive dialogue, touching on the current and significant topics of interest within our communities.

Listen here:

This is where you’ll hear stories from military communities across the country. We’ll also let you know what’s happening in D.C. that impacts defense communities, military families and community members who are proud to support their local missions.

11/28/2023

Today, we’re celebrating the final round of 2023-2024 Defense Community Champions! These individuals are leaders on base, in communities and across local governments and industry who make a difference in defense communities through deeds big and small. This year, we recognized 16 local champions in partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union, a longtime supporter of our service members.

The three Champions we’re honoring are Barbara Proffitt, Barbara Riddle and Ron Sites. Keep reading to learn how these Champions go above and beyond for their communities!

Barbara Proffitt: Devoting over 50 years of her life to Fort Knox, Proffitt has positively impacted the lives of thousands of soldiers and their families. She and her late husband Ronnie, an Air Force veteran, hosted community partnership dinners and also spearheaded an adopt-a-platoon program for deployed soldiers.

Barbara Riddle: As President and CEO of ChamberWest Chamber of Commerce, Riddle plays an integral role in raising awareness about the missions of Hill Air Force Base and the Utah National Guard. She has also served as the Quality of Life Committee Chair for the Top of Utah Military Affairs Committee for the last decade.

Ron Sites: As President and CEO of Fighter Country Foundation, Sites supports and advocates for the Airmen, families and mission of Luke AFB, Arizona-56th Fighter Wing. His leadership contributed to the base’s selection as the Air Force’s new F-35 Lightning II training center and prevented the base from succumbing to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

Learn more about our 2023-2024 here: https://ow.ly/NAew50QbJlm

11/22/2023

The next round of 2023-2024 Defense Community Champions is here! The Defense Community Champions program celebrates leaders on base, in communities and across local governments and industry who make a difference in defense communities. This year, we recognized 16 Champions in partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union, a longtime supporter of our service members.

Today, we’re honoring Mary Jane Jernigan, Nick Lacey, Laura Mathis and Sherman McCorkle for their dedication to their communities. Keep reading to learn what makes these individuals Defense Community Champions!

Mary Jane Jernigan: As a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, Jernigan advises and supports Army leaders at the Aberdeen Proving Ground and other Maryland military facilities. She is also President of the Maryland Freestate ChalleNGe Academy, a program that provides at-risk youth with academic, job, and life skills training.

Nick Lacey: After serving for 31 years in the Air Force, Lacey served as President of the Air Force Association- South Georgia Chapter. Lacey remains actively involved in service organizations and provides mentorship to the men and women of Moody Air Force Base on the qualities of leadership and service.

Laura Mathis: Mathis currently serves as President of the President of the Georgia Association of Regional Commissions and is a member of the Air Force Materiel Command Civic Leader Program representing Robins Air Force Base. She led the development of the 2022 Middle Georgia – Robins Air Force Base Sustainability Plan.

Sherman McCorkle: McCorkle co-founded the Kirtland Partnership Committee to support, grow and preserve Kirtland Air Force Base. He also serves on the New Mexico Military Base Planning Commission and is a civic leader for the Air Force. McCorkle ensures that the military has a voice with the legislature, state and local officials and local business leaders.

Learn more about our 2023-2024 here: https://ow.ly/mzjg50Qawn6

11/20/2023

ADC visited City of El Paso, Texas - Municipal Government in July 2023 to learn more about a unique program for transitioning service members. The Bridge Fellowship is run by the city and connects service members, veterans, and spouses to careers in local government. ADC also spoke to Endeavors about their holistic approach to supporting communities and people.

El Paso is a 2023 Great American Defense Community, sponsored by USAA.

ADC visited El Paso, Texas in July 2023 to learn more about the a unique program for transitioning service members. The Bridge Fellowship is run by the city ...

11/16/2023

This October, ADC visited Maryland’s Fort Meade region to learn how a community came together to support their local installation. ADC spent the day with community organizations and base members to hear how the post’s historic Kuhn Hall was handed over to the community, renovated, and gifted back to Fort George G. Meade, Md as a state-of-the-art Education & Resiliency Center.

The Fort Meade region is a 2023 Great American Defense Community, a program of the Association of Defense Communities, sponsored by USAA.

This October, ADC visited Maryland’s Fort Meade region to learn how a community came together to support their local installation. ADC spent the day with com...

11/14/2023

It’s time to recognize the next round of 2023-2024 Defense Community Champions! Defense Community Champions are leaders on base, in communities and across local governments and industry who make a difference in defense communities through deeds big and small. This year, we recognized 16 local champions in partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union, a longtime supporter of our service members.

The next four Champions we’re honoring are James Dignan, Jana Evans, Tom Hammond and Elizabeth Hartman. Keep reading to learn about these individuals' impacts on their defense communities!

James Dignan: After serving over 20 years in the Navy and Air National Guard, Dignan continues to support the Youngstown Air Reserve Station through his engagement with the community. He currently serves as Principal of AMK Professional Services, LLC and is involved in the Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission.

Jana Evans: As the San Antonio Area Manager for Soldiers' Angels, Evans supports 50 Veterans Affairs sites with community support and food distribution. She regularly attends city and nonprofit meetings to inform San Antonio about Soldiers' Angels and opportunities to support through volunteerism and donations.

Tom Hammond: Hammond is a director for Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative which provides electrical service to Sierra Army Depot (Official). He supported infrastructure improvements for the region such as a renewable energy project and the construction of a more reliable and higher capacity power supply.

Elizabeth Hartman: As the Commander of American Legion Post 539 - NC, Hartman ensures that veterans in the post stay connected to active-duty personnel and command teams on Eastern North Carolina U.S. Marine Corps installations. She also keeps local leadership informed about emerging issues and initiatives that impact the military population.

Learn more about our 2023-2024 here: defensecommunities.org/champions/awardees

11/14/2023

11/09/2023

11/07/2023

11/06/2023

11/06/2023

11/06/2023

Want to Reimagine Military Housing Through Innovation? Join Pete Sims and Ryan Kleinau from Corvias and ICON in Orlando for the Association of Defense Communities Installation Innovation Forum!

Register now to save your seat: https://installationinnovation.org/

11/06/2023

It is almost time!

To kick off , senior leaders from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps will explore the key challenges facing their respective installations, mission readiness, service members and their families during the military service workshops.

At the Installation Leadership Town Hall, top military leaders Lieutenant General Omar J. Jones IV, Rear Admiral John Menoni, Major General John J. Allen, Jr. and Major General David W. Maxwell will answer attendees’ most pressing questions.

During the Leading Innovation general session, a special delegation of military spouse leaders will discuss the importance of broadening the local installation-community leadership framework to include the voices of military spouses and families.

Learn more: https://installationinnovation.org/

11/05/2023

We want to hear from you!

Our opening session with the top installation leaders from each of the services will feature questions from you. Send us your question and be part of the discussion!

Submit your questions here: https://bit.ly/45UD3TS

11/01/2023

Time is running out before rates to register for increase this Friday, November 3rd! Join us in Orlando for the nation's premiere conference focused on military installations. Network with nearly 1,000 attendees from over 200 defense communities and 150 installations across the country!

Join us in Orlando for ADC's Installation Innovation Forum, the nation’s premiere development forum for leaders from installations, communities, and industry.

10/31/2023

The Defense Community Champions program celebrates leaders on base, in communities and across local governments and industry who make a difference in their defense communities.

This year, our Defense Community Champions program recognized 16 local champions in partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union, a longtime supporter of our service members. Over the next month, we’ll be featuring the 2023-2024 Champions.

The first four Champions we’re honoring are Bill Adamson, Paul Albright, Gray Bridwell and Brian Dicken. Keep reading to learn about their contributions to their communities!

Bill Adamson: A retired Army Colonel, Adamson works as the program manager for South Sound Military & Communities Partnership - SSMCP. He helps address issues between Joint Base Lewis-McChord and surrounding local governments, as well as advocates for service members, their families and transitioning veterans.

Paul Albright: After serving nearly 30 years in the Army, Albright now passionately works for City of El Paso Veteran and Military Affairs as Chief Military Officer. He ensures that the city provides a high quality of life for its military service members and veterans through employment, housing, mental healthcare and synchronization of resources.

Gray Bridwell: During his 25 years with the Abilene Military Affairs Committee, Bridwell has logged countless hours in support of Dyess Air Force Base. As Vice President of Military Affairs, he helps fund quality-of-life projects and advocates for Airmen and their families.

Brian Dicken: As Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, Dicken develops and implements advocacy efforts on behalf of the region’s military assets. He has secured funding for several projects at the Ohio National Guard 180th Fighter Wing.

Learn more about our 2023-2024 here: defensecommunities.org/champions/awardees

10/27/2023

“Although we felt like we were just playing a game, behind that was a lot of data going toward helping the Air Force make decisions on what a multi-capable airman is going to look like in the future and potentially how the agile combat employment model is going to be employed."

This year at IIF we will feature a hands-on experience, “Mission Generation Under Attack,” a GameX tournament hosted by MITREcorp and the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center.

Register now: https://installationinnovation.org/

A recent esports tournament at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina helped test airman and guardian decision-making through video gaming, according to a news story from the base. The tournament was designed as a fun way to gather data to shape the future of warfighting. “Although we felt like we we...

10/26/2023

Last chance to register for ADC's Charity Golf Tournament supporting Operation Healing Forces, an organization dedicated to serving the needs of America’s wounded, ill, injured, and Fallen Special Operations Forces service members and veterans, as well as their families, caregivers, and survivors through a suite of programs that promote long-term mental, physical, emotional, and fiscal well-being.

Register now: https://birdease.com/24740/register

Scan the QR code below or click the link to donate: https://birdease.com/24740/donate

10/26/2023

Congratulations!!👏👏

10/23/2023

This week on America's Defense Communities | The Podcast ADC On Base Editor Randy Ford joins two people making a difference in their respective defense communities. In this episode, you will hear from:

-Jim Iacocca, president and CEO of Knox Regional Development Alliance
-Elaine Bryant, Executive Vice President for Aerospace and Defense at Dayton Development Coalition

Listen in to hear about their work and how defense communities across the country can strengthen ties to their local installation, federal and industry partners.

This is where you’ll hear stories from military communities across the country. We’ll also let you know what’s happening in D.C. that impacts defense communities, military families and community members who are proud to support their local missions.

10/20/2023

With nearly 1,000 attendees representing 200 defense communities and 150 installations, is the premier military-community opportunity. The prime networking spot is HQ, ADC’s biggest exhibit hall to date, open Monday morning until noon Wednesday.

Featured organizations include Deloitte, Boingo, Comcast, American States Utility Services, Inc., Corvias, and many more!

Don’t forget to join us in Innovation HQ on Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 5 to 6 p.m. for a special reception hosted by Tetra Tech.

Learn more:

Join us in Orlando for ADC's Installation Innovation Forum, the nation’s premiere development forum for leaders from installations, communities, and industry.

10/19/2023

What makes a great defense leader?

Find out Monday on America’s Defense Communities | The Podcast as ADC On Base Editor Randy Ford sits down with Jim Iacocca, President and CEO of Knox Regional Development Alliance and Elaine Bryant, Executive Vice President, Aerospace and Defense for Dayton Development Coalition.

10/16/2023

We are honored to be official sponsors of the upcoming Association of Defense Communities Installation Innovation Forum, discussing innovative solutions that benefit the Department of Defense (and by extension, military service members and their families).

Our team is looking forward to engaging with defense industry colleagues and exploring effective and creative on-base solutions.

Come and join the conversation.
https://installationinnovation.org/

10/12/2023

As gaming and the industry continue to grow exponentially, every branch of the military now has an official service-sanctioned gaming program. Join us in Orlando for and a special breakout session discussing how gaming is changing recruitment, morale and community engagement.

Featuring leaders from each service's esports teams, this session will dive into how these programs work and how community and installation leaders can leverage them to form new partnerships.

More background on esports in the from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD):

With the growth of esports, nearly every service branch has an official service-sanctioned gaming program. For some service members, that means it's actually their job to play video games.

10/11/2023

Less than ONE month until Installation Innovation Forum 2023! Expand your knowledge and network with industry leaders as we dive into crucial topics like fortifying installations and enhancing family quality of life. Projected to be our biggest yet, you will not want to miss out.

Learn more:

Join us in Orlando for ADC's Installation Innovation Forum, the nation’s premiere development forum for leaders from installations, communities, and industry.

10/06/2023

The newest episode of America’s Defense Communities | The Podcast is officially live! Listen now as ADC On Base Editor Randy Ford sits down with Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment Brendan Owens to discuss military housing, climate resilience, PFAS cleanup, defense community infrastructure, and much more.

Listen here:

This is where you’ll hear stories from military communities across the country. We’ll also let you know what’s happening in D.C. that impacts defense communities, military families and community members who are proud to support their local missions.

10/03/2023

In August, during the , the Association of Defense Communities formally recognized the Fairbanks North Star Borough as a "2023 Great American Defense Community" for supporting Interior Alaska's service members, veterans, and their families.

🧐You can read more about the here: https://defensecommunities.org/gadc/

Pictured accepting the award include Lou Florence from Doyon Utilities, Althea St. Martin, Mayor Bryce Ward from Fairbanks North Star Borough, Lisa Cassino from Usibelli Coal Mine, Brittany Smart from Center for Energy and Power, and Lisa Slaba from Economic Development Corporation.

09/29/2023

This Week : The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation announces recipients of the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot (DCIP) Program; the Pentagon is creating eight regional microelectronics hubs, updates on the looming shutdown, and much more.

Read more and subscribe: https://defensecommunities.org/on-base/

09/28/2023

With less than two months until IIF, it’s time to secure your spot at the nation's premier conference focused on military-community partnerships! IIF 2023 will be the largest yet! Register now before prices increase on Monday, October 2nd.

Learn more: https://installationinnovation.org/

Join us in Orlando for ADC's Installation Innovation Forum, the nation’s premiere development forum for leaders from installations, communities, and industry.

09/26/2023

In 2023, Fort Meade was recognized as a Great American Defense Community. My staff recently attended the The Fort Meade Community Covenant Signing, when the Covenant Council renewed their commitment to supporting the region.

09/26/2023

We are at the NC Defense Summit 2023 in Raleigh this week! Hosted by the Association of Defense Communities. DANC is proud to be representing today with Tammy Everett , Ruth Anderson, Van Carpenter , David Hayden, Phil Williams LLC , John Bellamy, Mark Brilakis , & Wendy Clore Coulter.

09/22/2023

The newest episode of “America’s Defense Communities | The Podcast” is officially live! Listen in as we discuss the national security threat of foreign investment near installations. During this episode, we hear from key members driving this issue and gain insight into ways to move forward.

Listen here:

This is where you’ll hear stories from military communities across the country. We’ll also let you know what’s happening in D.C. that impacts defense communities, military families and community members who are proud to support their local missions.

09/21/2023

Congratulations to General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. on his confirmation as our nation's next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It's been an honor to host Gen. Brown at past ADC events and we look forward to his leadership in the future.

09/21/2023

Corvias is excited to support and sponsor the upcoming North Carolina Defense Summit on September 26-27! We look forward to seeing you and sharing best practices that address military challenges. Association of Defense Communities

https://defensecommunities.org/regional/north-carolina/

09/20/2023

ADC has announced the agenda for the Nov. 6-8 Installation Innovation Forum in Orlando. The event will feature more than 50 breakout sessions, as well as general sessions, military service town halls, a celebration of Great American Defense Communities, networking opportunities and more. Register no...

09/20/2023

08/17/2023

Network with over 900 attendees representing over 200 defense communities and 150 installations nationwide. Hear from military leaders from all service branches at the installation and national level, including IMCOM, AFCEC, MCICOM, AFIMSC, NAVFAC and many others.

Register today: https://installationinnovation.org/