Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana, is a deeply connected military community anchored by Barksdale Air Force Base (BAFB) and home to major commands, including Air Force Global Strike Command, the 8th Air Force and 2nd and 307th Bomb Wings BAFB’s history is rooted in direct local investment and enduring support, as community leaders collaborated to helped recruit and establish the installation nearly a century ago. Today, that partnership continues through strong collaboration among local governments, civic leaders, schools, colleges and universities, chambers of commerce, nonprofits, military leaders, and community volunteers to support members and their families through every phase of military life. 

One of Shreveport-Bossier’s most impactful initiatives is its nationally recognized support for military-connected students and families. Through ongoing partnerships among BAFB, Bossier Parish Schools, Caddo Parish Public Schools, and community organizations, more than 3,600 military-connected students benefit from Purple Star school designation, transition assistance, health and wellness resources, flexible enrollment policies, and dedicated military family programming. 

The Shreveport-Bossier community has become a leader in supporting transitioning service members through The Boot, a Louisiana-based, state-funded nonprofit that connects military families with careers, educational opportunities, housing resources, and community networks across the state after they complete their military service. These efforts contribute to the more than 25,000 veterans who call Shreveport-Bossier home. 

These initiatives reflect the commitment of leaders in Shreveport and Bossier to build an integrated, comprehensive, and coordinated support system centered on military readiness, family resilience, and long-term community connection. 

Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the nation’s most military-connected cities, home to a vast network of installations, including Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, USGG Sector Jacksonville, USCG Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron, FL Air Nation Guard 125 Fighter Squadron, and USMC Blount Island Command. With tens of thousands of active-duty service members and one of the largest Veteran populations in the country, military service is deeply woven into the city’s culture and identity. Jacksonville combines strategic military importance with strong civic partnerships, affordable family living, and a community-wide commitment to supporting service members, veterans, and their families both during and after military service. 

One initiative that highlights Jacksonville’s dedication to military families is the city’s Military Spouses Night Out, hosted by the Military Affairs and Veterans Department. The event is a large celebration exclusively for military spouses, offering wellness services, entertainment, giveaways, and opportunities to build community connections.  

Another standout program is the NAS Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport Food Farmacy initiative, created through a partnership between the city and Feeding Northeast Florida. The program provides free, nutritious groceries and household essentials to active-duty military families while strengthening collaboration between local organizations and military installations. Jacksonville also hosts the nation’s largest municipal Memorial Day Observance. Jacksonville has showcased its commitment to a holistic approach to improving quality of life for the military and veteran community. 

Greater Augusta, Georgia is a thriving defense community setting a new standard for military community collaboration. The Greater Augusta region, known as the “Garden City,” is home to an established multi-service hub supporting Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Space Force personnel and their families. Home to Fort Gordon, Army Cyber Command and the Army Cyber Center of Excellence, the area has built  nationally recognized infrastructure and defense development, anchored by the construction of the new community-funded $106 million Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, the largest investment in cybersecurity ever made by a state government. This landmark project fostered important collaboration between government and industry, to support the installation’s cyber missions and community initiatives.  

One of Greater Augusta’s most notable initiatives is the Alliance for Cyber Education (ACE), which provides military children and students across the region with hands-on cybersecurity training through free CyberPatriot summer camps. With approximately 75% of camp participants being military dependents, ACE was recognized as the CyberPatriot Center of Excellence of the Year for the entire United States for two consecutive years, furthering the career pathway opportunities for transitioning service members, military spouses, and military-connected students. This unique excellence in cyber infrastructure, along with impactful community organization efforts, prove Greater Augusta’s dedication to military families and building up the community they call home.