Southern New England officials meet for defense forum
NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — Government officials and community leaders from Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island have gathered for a forum on how they can support the military and military families as a region.
The group met Friday in Newport for the forum, hosted by the Association of Defense Communities.
It's the nonprofit's first multi-state event.
Attendees met to discuss ways to collaboratively enhance defense installations and businesses, and the quality of life for military families.
The Washington, D.C.-based association supports communities nationwide with a significant military presence. Executive director Tim Ford says states are usually focused on their own bases first.
He says the collaboration among states makes the event unique.
Bob Ross, of Connecticut's Office of Military Affairs, says it raises awareness of how interconnected the region's defense installations and businesses are.
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