Submitted Photo Minot has been recognized as a 2025 Great American Defense Community. From the left are Minot Area Chamber EDC President/CEO Brekka Kramer; Task Force 21 Chair Pete Hankla; 2025 MACEDC Board Chair Ryan Ackerman and Task Force 21 Member Cassidy Hjelmstad in Washington, D.C. Photo from MACEDC.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Minot, home to Minot Air Force Base, is one of the three communities recognized as a 2025 Great American Defense Community.

The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) announced the three selected communities at the Defense Communities National Summit this week. Minot was recognized for its support of Minot AFB, according to a news release from Minot Area Chamber EDC. The two other communities recognized this year are Greater Buckley Region in Colorado for its support of Buckley Space Force Base and Yuma, Arizona, for its support of Marine Corps Air Station.

“We’re excited to welcome Minot, North Dakota, as a 2025 Great American Defense community,” said ADC President Karen Holt in the release. “We are especially honored to recognize Minot’s unwavering commitment in educating stakeholders on nuclear deterrence and national security.”

ADC launched the Great American Defense Communities program in 2016 to recognize and celebrate the communities and regions that support military installations for their exceptional commitment to improving quality of life for military members.

“North Dakota is committed to being the most military-friendly state in the nation, and this recognition of Minot as a Great American Defense Community is proof of that commitment,” Gov. Kelly Armstrong said. “The dedicated airmen of the 91st Missile Wing and 5th Bomb Wing, along with the support personnel from the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 219th Security Forces Squadron, play a crucial role in safeguarding our nation and are an incredibly important part of the Minot community.”

Minot will be spotlighted by ADC throughout the year, with plans for leadership from the association to travel to North Dakota and celebrate with the community this summer. Minot also will be featured at the ADC Innovation Forum in Monterey, California, at the end of October.

“Minot has always been a proud military community, and being named a Great American Defense Community is a testament to the deep connection between the Minot area and Minot Air Force Base. This recognition highlights what we in Minot have always known — our community and the base share an unbreakable bond,” said Ryan Ackerman, MACEDC Board chair. “We are honored to support them in every way possible.”

“Minot Air Force Base is not just a military installation — it’s a driving force in our community,” said Pete Hankla, Task Force 21 chair. “With a $651 million economic impact, its presence strengthens our local businesses, schools and workforce, while its mission strengthens our national security. This recognition as a Great American Defense Community is proof of that commitment.”

Communities are chosen through a competitive nomination process based on community building efforts, such as educational and employment opportunities, and support and collaboration with neighboring military installations. In 10 years, 50 communities have been selected as Great American Defense Communities across all branches of the military.