March 9, 2023 — The Fort George G. Meade region, home to Fort George G. Meade, is one of five communities across the country selected 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 the Defense Communities 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 Montgomery-River region in Alabama.
“We are incredibly excited to honor the Fort George G. Meade region as a 2023 Great American Defense Community,” ADC President Karen Holt said. “The Fort Meade region is a great example of how communities are working tirelessly to ensure America’s military can be proud of where they call home.”
The Great American Defense Communities program was launched by ADC in 2016 to recognize and celebrate the communities and regions that support military installations for their exceptional commitment to improving quality of life for military.
“We are so pleased that the Fort George G. Meade region is being recognized by ADC as a 2023 Great American Defense Community,” said Maryland State Sen. Pam Beidle. “Our central Maryland region has long understood the value of the men and women at Fort Meade, who defend our nation from right here in our community. Their missions are critically important. And as a community, it is our mission to help them be ready and resilient.”
Communities are chosen through a competitive nomination process based on community building efforts, such as educational and employment opportunities, and support and collaboration with neighboring military installations.
