The Greater Augusta region has been named as a 2026 Great American Defense Community of Excellence for its exceptional support for military installations, service members, veterans and military families,
The official announcement came during the Columbia County hosted Mega Chamber Military Appreciation Executive Luncheon June 24 at the Columbia County Exhibition Center, according to a news release.
“The strength of Fort Gordon has always been matched by the strength of the communities that surround it. This designation affirms that Greater Augusta is not simply home to a military installation—we are a true defense community. This recognition is the result of years of collaboration across two states, multiple counties, and countless organizations working together in support of our service members, civilian workforce, veterans, and military families,” said Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Tom Clark, president & CEO of the Alliance for Fort Gordon, in the news release.
The Great American Defense Communities program, administered by the Association of Defense Communities (ADC), honors communities across the nation that go above and beyond in supporting military missions and military families. Since its inception in 2016, the program has recognized communities that exemplify exceptional military-community collaboration, innovation, quality of life initiatives, and sustained commitment to national defense.
Greater Augusta’s selection reflects decades of partnership among local governments, businesses, educational institutions, civic organizations, and residents in support of Fort Gordon and the broader Fort Gordon Cyber District. The region is home to one of the nation’s most significant concentrations of cyber, communications, intelligence, and national security capabilities, anchored by Fort Gordon’s Cyber Center of Excellence and Army Cyber Command missions.
“This recognition belongs to the entire Greater Augusta region,” Clark said. “It reflects the extraordinary commitment demonstrated every day by our elected officials, business leaders, educators, military partners, and citizens who work together to ensure that Fort Gordon remains a premier installation and that military families feel welcomed, supported, and valued throughout our community.”
The Alliance for Fort Gordon was established in 2003 to advocate for and strengthen the future of the installation and has since evolved into a leading regional organization supporting the Fort Gordon.
“This ‘Great American Defense Community’ designation is a testament to what we at Fort Gordon have long known: the relationship between our installation and the Greater Augusta region is a powerful example of collaboration that magnifies mission outcomes. As Dr. Clark often says, this is a true defense community. We are proud to be part of this ecosystem, where Soldiers and families are well taken care of as they execute vital strategic missions,” said Maj. Gen. Ryan Janovic, Commanding General, U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon.
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