Yuma, Arizona, is a dynamic Southwestern city committed to supporting the military. Home to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma (MCAS Yuma) and Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), the city has a long-standing legacy of military history, especially in infrastructure planning and policy advocacy. Since the 1970s, base representatives have actively participated in development reviews, predevelopment meetings, and infrastructure planning, ensuring the city’s growth aligns with military operations.

One of Yuma’s most celebrated initiatives is the Dandelion Club, which provides military children with a safe space to connect with peers who can help them navigate the unique challenges of military life. This program is led by professionals with expertise in military family dynamics and is a collaborative effort between MCAS Yuma, Yuma Elementary School District One, and Northern Arizona University’s Bachelor of Social Work students. This initiative is just one of many that showcase Yuma’s dedication to ensuring that every military-connected child has the resources and community they need to thrive.

The Greater Buckley Region, home to Buckley Space Force Base and the Colorado National Guard, is a vibrant suburb in Colorado with a growing military community. From hosting monthly chamber meetings to elevating military advocacy and appreciation through major annual events, this region goes above and beyond to ensure a seamless military-community connection.

Two efforts that exemplify The Greater Buckley region’s commitment to military support are The Annual Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon and an innovative partnership with Uber. Hosted by a regional Chamber of Commerce, the Annual Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon recognizes an outstanding service member from all branches as well as a civilian contributor. In an innovative effort to address transportation challenges for service members and their families, the local community partnered with Uber to establish a groundbreaking, geo-fenced rideshare program at Buckley Space Force Base. Through this program, service members gained newfound mobility, alleviating transportation stress for off-duty activities, medical appointments, and personal needs. The program’s effectiveness at Buckley SFB was recognized across the DoD, leading to its rapid expansion to more than 20 other military installations.

Minot, North Dakota, is home to Minot Air Force Base (MAFB). In 2023, Minot was awarded the Barksdale trophy for providing the highest level of community support to an Air Force Base in Air Force Global Strike Command. Minot received this recognition for the second time in 2023 and remains one of only two communities to ever receive the prestigious award twice. Minot also home to Task Force 21. Established in the 1990s, the task force educates the local community, North Dakota officials, members of Congress, and the public on national security issues, particularly ones that affect MAFB, the U.S. Air Force, the Department of Defense, and our nuclear deterrent.

As Minot Air Force Base is the only installation within the Department of Defense with two legs of the nuclear triad, leaders of TF 21 have taken significant steps to educate the public on nuclear deterrence and the role MAFB plays in protecting the nation. In 2024, Minot hosted two nuclear triad symposiums, one in its community and one in the nation’s capital. The symposiums focus on sustaining and modernizing all three legs of the nuclear triad as well as sustaining credible nuclear deterrence amidst growing challenges. These events bring in key players of the defense spaces and educate the public and build advocates for airmen and military families.