Everett, Washington Named A Great American Defense Community

This in today from the City of Everett Tuesday afternoon.

Everett, Washington, home to Naval Station Everett, is one of five communities across the country named to the 2021 Class of Great American Defense Communities, the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) announced today in conjunction with USAA, the program’s official sponsor.

“The strength of our military starts at home, in America’s defense communities,” said ADC President Joe Driskill. “We are proud to recognize Everett as a community that goes above and beyond to support service members, veterans, and their families.”

The communities recognized by the Great American Defense Communities program demonstrate exemplary work in improving the quality of life of military personnel and their families through programs, initiatives and partnerships in their regions. The 2021 class also includes Altus, Oklahoma; Coastal Georgia; Great Falls, Montana; and the NAS Pensacola & NAS Whiting Field Community.

“It’s an honor to be selected as a 2021 Great American Defense Community,” said Cassie Franklin, Everett Mayor. “Naval Station Everett, its members, staff and their families are part of the fabric of our community and I couldn’t be more thankful for their contributions to our city and nation.”

The Great American Defense Communities program, now in its sixth year, recognizes the role that communities and regions with active installations in the U.S. play in supporting service members and military families. Communities are chosen through a competitive nomination process based on community building and integration, support and collaboration, and educational and employment opportunities, and family support – and this year, diversity and inclusion initiatives and COVID-19 programs were taken into consideration.

About ADC

ADC is the connection point for leaders from communities, states, the military and industry on community-military issues and installation management to enhance knowledge, information sharing and best practices. With nearly 300 communities, states, regions, and affiliated industry organization as members, ADC represents every major defense community/state in the nation. Visit defensecommunities.org to learn more.