Greater Augusta Named a 2026 Great American Defense Community of Excellence
National Recognition to Be Announced at Mega Chamber Military Appreciation Executive Luncheon on June 24
AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Greater Augusta region has been selected as a 2026 Great American Defense Community of Excellence, a prestigious national designation recognizing communities that demonstrate exceptional support for military installations, service members, veterans, and military families. The official announcement will be made during the Columbia County hosted Mega Chamber Military Appreciation Executive Luncheon on Wednesday, June 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Columbia County Exhibition Center.
The annual luncheon is a collaborative effort of five regional chambers of commerce:
- Columbia County Chamber of Commerce
- Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce
- North Augusta Chamber of Commerce
- Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce
The featured speaker will be Dr./Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Tom Clark, President and CEO of the Alliance for Fort Gordon, the organization that has led regional efforts to strengthen partnerships between the military installation and the surrounding communities.
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,” said Dr. Tom Clark. “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 Cyber District and the military missions that contribute significantly to national security and the local economy.
The June 24 luncheon will bring together military leaders, elected officials, business executives, community stakeholders, and chamber members from across the region to celebrate military service and the enduring partnership between Fort Gordon and the communities it serves.
Possible Quotes for Consideration
MG Ryan Janovic, 42nd Commanding General, U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and 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.”
Dr./CSM (Ret.) Tom Clark, President & CEO, Alliance for Fort Gordon
“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.”
Heath Taylor – Columbia County Chamber President/CEO
“The Columbia County Chamber Military Appreciation Executive Luncheon was created to celebrate the men and women who serve our nation. Having this national recognition announced during this event makes the occasion even more meaningful.”
Stan Shepherd, Chairman – Alliance for Fort Gordon
“This honor demonstrates what can be achieved when chambers of commerce, local governments, businesses, educational institutions, dedicated individuals, and military partners unite around a common mission. The Greater Augusta region is stronger because of its commitment to those who serve.”
Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) – Local Government Leadership
“Being named a Great American Defense Community of Excellence reinforces what we have long known—that supporting our military mission and military families is not simply an obligation; it is part of our identity as a region. I am honored to work with community leaders and do my part at the federal level to ensure the CSRA maintains its status as the premier defense community it is today,” said Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12).
Event Information
Mega Chamber Military Appreciation Executive Luncheon
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Columbia County Exhibition Center
Evans, Georgia
Featured Speaker: Dr./CSM (Ret.) Tom Clark, President & CEO, Alliance for Fort Gordon
About the Alliance for Fort Gordon
The Alliance for Fort Gordon is a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, coordinating, and advocating for the Fort Gordon Cyber District while supporting the continued growth and success of Fort Gordon and its critical national security missions. The Alliance represents a two-state, seven-county regional initiative focused on military support, economic development, cyber growth, and quality-of-life improvements throughout the Greater Augusta region.