Montgomery, AL, March 20, 2023 – The Montgomery River Region, home to Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, has been named as a 2023 Great American Defense Community.
The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) announced the five selected communities in conjunction with USAA, the program’s official sponsor, at its National Summit earlier this month. The 2023 class also includes the city of El Paso, Texas; Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska; greater Omaha, Nebraska; and the Fort George G. Meade Region, Maryland.
“The Montgomery-River Region is a great example of how communities are working tirelessly to ensure America’s military can be proud of where they call home,” ADC President Karen Holt said.
“This recognition reflects extremely well upon the people of Montgomery -- Our businesses, our military leadership, our elected leaders, and, most of all, the people who live and work and play here in the River Region,” said Montgomery Chamber Chairman LaBarron Boone. “Our Montgomery Chamber works every day to support military families and missions throughout our area.”
“Our community is proud to earn the Great American Defense Community distinction,” Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed said. “Our goal is to foster greater connections between the service members at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base and the greater Montgomery River Region communities. We will continue implementing programs and infrastructure that prioritize the needs of our military neighbors and their families as part of our longstanding tradition of civilian partnership and support, which includes the Maxwell-River Region Partnership for Educational Excellence.”
“It comes as no surprise to me to see Montgomery and the River Region celebrated for their commitment to excellence involving military family support,” said Colonel Ryan Richardson, Commander 42nd Air Base Wing. “The longstanding partnership between Maxwell AFB and the community we are a part of has always been one to celebrate.”
“This is a clear demonstration of what can happen when defense, the public sector and private business work together toward economic and quality of life goals designed to benefit everyone living and working in the River Region,” said Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton. “Now the world knows what we know: Montgomery truly is a Great American Defense Community.”
About ADCADC 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 as members, ADC represents every major defense community and state in the country.
About The Montgomery Chamber
With a mission to drive economic prosperity and build a greater life for all in the capital region, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber is a full-spectrum economic development public/private partnership representing 1,600 businesses and organizations with more than 90,000 employees throughout Central Alabama.
