HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- If there were ever any question about the Emerald Coast being a military-friendly community, now it’s official.
The Eglin-Hurlburt community was recently designated as one of 10 “Great American Defense Communities” by the National Association of Defense Communities for its resounding support to military members and their families.
The ADC is a private organization and special interest group whose mission is to unite the interests of the military, communities, state governments and private sector on issues that affect all of them, such as base closure and realignment and mission growth. This year, the ADC launched the Great American Defense Community program, which is designed to recognize communities who go above and beyond to improve the quality of life of the military families who call their community “home.”
The Okaloosa County Economic Development Council nominated the Eglin-Hurlburt community for the inaugural award. In March, the ADC announced the 10 communities that will be allowed to display the official designation emblem; the Emerald Coast community surrounding Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base earned the distinction.
“We are absolutely delighted the Eglin-Hurlburt community has been recognized as a Great American Defense Community by the Association of Defense Communities,” said Nathan Sparks, executive director of the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council. “This prestigious designation is a true testament to the many dedicated organizations and individuals who work every day to support and sustain our military members and their families.”
Criteria evaluated included:
- Community Building and Integration: provides an environment in which service members, their families and veterans are welcomed and integrated into the community fabric
- Support and Collaboration: has a formal military-community support organization that includes advocates from local governments, non-profit organizations and area businesses to form installation-community partnerships that enhance services to service members, their families and veterans
- Educational and Employment Opportunities: provides a wide range of job opportunities for service members and their families; and ensures quality educational opportunities for military children, spouses, service members and veterans
- Family Support: offers a range of support to service members and their families before, during and after deployments, and as they transition from the military.
Some recent examples that speak of the local community’s new commendation include the cookout on base hosted by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council in conjunction with the Courage, Leadership, Education, Advocate and Respect Challenge, and Military and Family Appreciation Day held at the Fort Walton Beach Landing, both in April 2016. Additionally, community partners across the area regularly support installation award ceremonies, as well as many programs run by the Airman and Family Readiness Center.
"At Hurlburt, one of our priorities is creating an environment for Airmen and families to thrive,” said Col. Sean Farrell, commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing. “The community support our Airmen and families receive here on the Emerald Coast is a tremendous part of creating that environment.”
The other nine communities holding the same designation are: Colorado Springs, Col.; Dayton Region, Ohio; Ft. Leonard Wood Region, Mo.; Goldsboro, N.C.; Grand Forks, N.D.; Lawton, Okla.; Flint Hills Region, Kan.; Monterey, Cal. and South Puget Sound, Wash.
Military members traveling within any of these communities will likely see the official Great American Defense Communities logo displayed proudly.
“When our Air Commandos are deployed, knowing their families back home are being taken care of eases their mind and helps them focus on the mission,” Farrell said. “Our Emerald Coast neighbors are a vital part of their support structure at home."