Grand Forks, N.D., named Great American Defense Community

The Association of Defense Communities and Defense Communities Caucus recently named Grand Forks, North Dakota, a Great American Defense Community.

The committee gives this title to communities that attempt to provide exceptional living standards for its residents who are serving in the military, military veterans and their families.

“It is more important than ever our military retains highly trained airmen," U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) said. "Communities that welcome our military and offer such a positive quality of life are vital when we discuss retention.  Grand Forks continues to lead by example in this regard,” Cramer said. Cramer promoted Grand Forks to the Association of Defense Communities in a recent letter.

Other communities that received the title in the inaugural group of inductees: Colorado Springs, Colorado; Dayton, Ohio; Leonard Wood, Missouri; Goldsboro, North Carolina; Lawton, Oklahoma; Manhattan, Kansas; Monterey, California; Oskaloosa County, Florida; and South Puget Sound, Washington. All of these communities put forth great efforts to provide their service members and families with education, jobs, housing, and family assistance during deployment.

All of these communities will be part of an exhibit in Washington, D.C., and on Capitol Hill.