Honoring Those Who Serve: A Veterans Day Message from NLC’s Military Communities Council Leadership

By:

CitiesSpeak Guest

November 9, 2026 - (2 min read)

Leadership

Authored by Councilmember Bradley Carter, MCC Chair, Oklahoma City, Okla., and Councilmember Mark Rodriguez, MCC Vice Chair, Sierra Vista, Ariz.

This Veterans Day, we honor the courageous men and women who have served our nation and the military families whose sacrifices, resilience and unwavering support are equally deserving of recognition.

For those of us leading military-connected communities, Veterans Day is more than a moment of gratitude. It is a reminder of our responsibility to serve those who have served our country.

Councilmember Bradley Carter, Oklahoma City, Okla. – MCC Chair

In Oklahoma City, our connection to Tinker Air Force Base is a source of tremendous pride. The installation and its surrounding military community are woven into the fabric of our region. From active-duty service members to veterans, military spouses and children, these families contribute to the strength and character of our community every day.

As local leaders, we must ensure our military families have access to quality housing, educational opportunities, meaningful employment and the community support they deserve. Our commitment to them must extend well beyond their years of service.

Councilmember Mark Rodriguez, Sierra Vista, Ariz. – MCC Vice Chair

In Sierra Vista, Fort Huachuca is more than a military installation; it is an essential part of our community’s identity. Generations of service members and their families have called Sierra Vista home, contributing to our schools, businesses, neighborhoods and local economy.

We understand that military life brings unique challenges, from frequent relocations to deployments and transitions into civilian careers. Our responsibility is to create a welcoming community where military families feel supported, veterans find new opportunities and their service is honored through meaningful action.

Turning Gratitude Into Action

While our communities may be separated by miles, we share a common mission: ensuring that service members, veterans and military families have the resources, opportunities and support they need to thrive.

Through the National League of Cities Military Communities Council (MCC), local leaders nationwide can collaborate, exchange best practices and advocate for policies that strengthen military-connected communities.

We invite municipal leaders across the country to join us in this important work.

This Veterans Day, let us move beyond saying thank you and commit to building communities that demonstrate our gratitude every day.

Get Involved

Join NLC’s Military Communities Council and help strengthen the communities that support our nation’s service members, veterans and their families. Applications are open through Dec. 4, 2026.

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