Video: The Great American Defense Communities Class of 2024

April 15, 2024
On Base

Elizabeth City, North Carolina; Black Hills Region, South Dakota; and Fort Smith, Arkansas last week were named to the 2024 class of Great American Defense Communities.

Watch the announcement video.

The Great American Defense Communities program from the Association of Defense Communities, made possible through USAA’s sponsorship, celebrates communities that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to improving the lives of service members, veterans and military families.

With the 2024 class, there are now 50 communities that have received the designation.

ADC video screenshot

April 15, 2024
On Base

Recent News

Air Force Modifies Former Reoptimization Plan

Air Force Modifies Former Reoptimization Plan

Dec 12, 2025

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink and Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach recently announced plans to change the service’s optimization plan put in place during the Biden administration, Defense News reported.  The changes will keep some previous decisions, such as...

Congress to Oversee Military Hospital Restructuring

Congress to Oversee Military Hospital Restructuring

Dec 12, 2025

As a part of the NDAA passed in the House this week, Congress would closely monitor efforts to downsize military hospitals and clinics, Military Times reported. The Joint Chiefs of Staff and service surgeons general are required to review any future changes and report...

In Our Communities

In Our Communities

Dec 12, 2025

Mississippi Base Hosts Marine Reservist Training  Reserve Marines from across the country recently met to train at Camp Shelby, Mississippi to fulfill certification requirements. According to a Marines report, the Tactical Air Control Party exercise took reserve...

Snap of the Week

Snap of the Week

Dec 12, 2025

A player for the Naval War College (NWC) Army flag football team outruns Navy defenders during NWC’s Army-Navy flag football game at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island ahead of this weekend’s Army vs. Navy college football game.  Navy photo by Connor...

House Sends Final NDAA to Senate

House Sends Final NDAA to Senate

Dec 11, 2025

The House passed the compromise version of the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act Wednesday by a bipartisan vote of 312-112.  Among other provisions, the bill:  Modifies the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, removing “military value” as the...

PAST STORIES