Junction City receives national defense community recognition

Craig Bender making the award announcement. To his right in the photo are U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, Mayor Pat Landes and Geary USD 475 Associate Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lacee Sell

Junction City has been named one of five members of the 2020 class of the Great American Defense Communities.

The Military Affairs Council Director for the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce, Craig Bender, made the announcement during a celebration to welcome home 1st Infantry Division troops from deployment. He presented the award to the City from the Association of Defense Communities. “It’s an association that brings together all the communities around all the DOD posts and bases around the entire U.S. Bender added there is a competition each year, “to award five communities across the entire US. for doing

( L-R Rodney Baker of Power Hits 97.5 and Bob Storey, with Jim Clark Auto Center, the presenting sponsor for the 1st ID Welcome Home event.

exceptional support to the military posts and to their troops.”

The announcement was made during an event to welcome home 1st Infantry Division troops from deployments overseas. In attendance for the celebration in the 5th Street Playground Park and for the award announcement was U.S. Senator Jerry Moran. “I chair the Defense Communities Caucus in the United States Senate, a group of senators and our staffs who banded together to try to make sure we do the things necessary to make sure that the defense communities, those who support military installations, the Soldiers, military men and women and their families have the tools that they need to do what is done.” Moran said, “On behalf of all Kansans welcome home. Congratulations to Junction City, thank you to the Chamber of Commerce and its military affairs committee, but most importantly please know that we care for you, that we respect you and we love you.”

Mayor Pat Landes thanked all the active duty and retired military for all that they have done this country, “This event is to help remind you about what you’re fighting for, about what a great country we have to live in and how proud we are of you. “

There was a strong turnout for the celebration in the park, which included a dinner for troops and their families, performances by the Commanding General’s Mounted Color guard, bounce houses and other food vendors, and live music from the 1st Infantry Division Country Band. The All American Beef Battalion provided the food to the troops and their families free of charge. A check with them revealed approximately 375 ribeye steaks, 300 hot dogs and a variety of fixings were served. With the big turnout they eventually ran out of the steaks and hot dogs.