Courtney Receives Award for Support of Military Communities in Connecticut
WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2), ranking member of the House Armed Services’ Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, was honored with a Congressional Leadership Award from the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) for his support of military communities in Connecticut as well as his efforts to secure federal funding to support the U.S. submarine fleet.
“I was honored today to accept the Congressional Leadership Award from the Association of Defense Communities,” said Courtney. “Our region is proud to be the home of so many who serve and have served our nation, as well as their families. So many communities in eastern Connecticut are tied closely with our military, whether sailors and their families stationed at SUBASE New London, shipbuilders working at Electric Boat, employees at small and mid-sized businesses that supply critical defense programs, or countless schools, businesses and organizations that support them. I will continue to support the proud maritime tradition of eastern Connecticut as we contribute to the national defense of the United States.”
Mike Cooper, President of ADC and Chairman of the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission, said, “Courtney is a tireless advocate for the nation’s veterans and active duty personnel. He partnered with Sen. John McCain to introduce the Post-9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act to help members of the military transition into the teaching profession. He successfully fought to expand the Montgomery GI Bill for post-9/11 veterans and their families, and led the fight to extend TRICARE benefits to dependents under age 26. He also secured $200,000 to help fund an 18-unit supportive housing facility for homeless and at-risk veterans in eastern Connecticut.”
Bob Ross, Executive Director of the Connecticut Office of Military Affairs, said, “I nominated Joe for his sustained efforts on behalf of the shipbuilding industry in eastern Connecticut. Last year, Electric Boat was awarded part of the largest Navy contract in history due in large part to his efforts. The new contract will allow us to buy ten submarines for the price of nine, saving American taxpayers billions of dollars. Joe has also been a great champion of service members and their families.”
ADC represents over 200 military communities across the US. It advocates on a wide range of issues affecting military installations and families including base closures and realignments, military privatization, defense real-estate, mission growth and sustainment, and military families and veteran support.
To see the online statement published by ADC, ‘Courtney Has Proven to Be Fierce Advocate for Submarine Fleet, Connecticut Sub Base’, click here
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