The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) named Grand Forks among its first class of Great American Defense Communities, an initiative launched this year to acknowledge the unique contributions cities, counties and regions that host installations make to improve quality of life for service members, veterans and their families.
Grand Forks was among 10 communities selected from dozens of nominees, according to the ADC. The selection committee based its selections on the broad range of efforts communities carry out on behalf of military personnel and their families, covering areas including education, job opportunities, housing, family support during deployments and community appreciation.
North Dakota’s Congressional Delegation were among those who endorsed the community for the ADC recognition.
“Grand Forks embraces the mission, the airmen, and the families of the GFAFB and they are re-writing the book on community relations with military installations,” said Sen. John Hoeven.
“The collaboration between the military and private sector at Grand Sky is a point of pride, creating a model for what a 21st century air base should look like,” said Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.
“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,” said Congressman Kevin Cramer.