"Receiving the designation as a Great American Defense Community is a fitting tribute to the many business and community partners who work diligently to embrace the military men and women serving in the greater Columbia area," said Carl Blackstone, President and CEO, Columbia Chamber. Blackstone along with David Lockwood, chairman of the Board of Directors; Dan Beatty, chairman of the Chamber's Military Outreach Group and Susan Vaughan McPherson, Director of Public Policy and Military Affairs traveled to Washington, DC last month to receive this honor. The award was presented at the annual Defense Communities Summit.
During the Summit, people from across the nation came together to celebrate the numerous ways communities enhance the quality of life for military families. This year's theme focused on closing the military-civilian divide and how some communities teach the rest of the country about creating great places for military to call home.
Be sure to check out the links below to see the impact the greater Columbia's region Partners have upon military service people and their families. We hope you will share in the pride that our attendees at the Summit experienced knowing that the greater Columbia region is a Great American Defense Community.
Fun tidbit: The greater Columbia's region booth was a huge hit with the Adluh grits given out! If you would like your own bag of Adluh grits or a "Proud to support our great American Defense Community" window decal, contact Susan Vaughan McPherson at smcpherson@columbiachamber.com. Supplies are limited.
Watch GADC "Bridging the Divide" Video
Read Columbia & Fort Jackson Highlights in ADC Magazine
Watch GrayDC (NBC Affiliate) Coverage of Chamber Team in D.C.
View Photos from GADC Community Celebration Breakfast