[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E395-E396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE GREATER BUCKLEY REGION AS A GREAT AMERICAN DEFENSE 
                               COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON CROW

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 7, 2025

  Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Greater Buckley 
Region in my district, which was recently recognized as a 2025 Great 
American Defense Community by the Association of Defense Communities.
  The Great American Defense Communities program recognizes and 
celebrates communities and regions that support military installations 
that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to improving quality of life 
for military families, veterans, and service members--while fostering 
collaboration across the defense ecosystem.
  I am proud of our community--anchored by Buckley Space Force Base and 
also home to the Colorado National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters--
for its unwavering dedication to advancing quality-of-life initiatives. 
As an Army Ranger veteran, I understand that morale and readiness 
depend on more than infrastructure--we must create environments where 
military families can thrive. The Greater Buckley Region has led in 
areas such as housing, health care, employment, and education.
  This recognition also reflects the strength of local partnerships, 
including the Aurora Chamber of Commerce's Buckley Regional Military 
Affairs Council, which plays a vital role in bridging military and 
civilian communities, advocating for service members, and fostering 
enduring support networks.
  The Greater Buckley Region shows us what's possible when communities 
unite around those who serve. I congratulate them on this well-deserved 
honor and look forward to their continued leadership as a model for 
defense communities nationwide.

[[Page E396]]

  

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