MAY 12, 2026 | THE ANTHEM

901 Wharf St SW · Washington, D.C.

DOORS OPEN: 4:00 PM

For 50 years, America’s defense communities have stood behind the mission. Our ADC50 celebration brings together hundreds of defense communities — celebrating the partnerships, people, and milestones that have defined this movement. Join senior leaders from Congress, the Department of War, and national partners for an evening of stories, celebration, and community.

THE EVENT

3:15 – 4:30 PM

SHUTTLES FROM GRAND
HYATT TO ANTHEM

Complimentary shuttles from the Hyatt · Check-in · ADC50 anniversary exhibits

4:00 – 5:00 PM

KICKOFF RECEPTION

Network with defense community leaders, advocates, and national partners. Presented by ASUS

5:00 – 6:00 PM

MAIN STAGE PROGRAM

Featured speakers · Community stories · Live performances

6:00 – 7:00 PM

TASTE OF AMERICA’S DEFENSE COMMUNITIES RECEPTION

Take a culinary journey across the country with regional flavors, signature cocktails, and military-connected brews. Presented by JobsOhio

THE MAIN STAGE PROGRAM

WELCOME

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL)
Chairman, House Armed Services Committee

Hon. Jordan Gillis
Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy & Environment

Hon. Michael Borders
Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations & Environment

STORIES

Changemakers

30 years ago, a group of leaders dared to imagine something bigger. Tonight, we honor what they built — and pay tribute to the OLDCC legacy that shaped it all.

Learn More

Our Champions

Some people don’t just support the mission — they become it. Tonight we celebrate the ones who never stopped pushing.
Presented by Navy Federal Credit Union

Stories From the Homefront

50 years of stories that never made the headlines — until now.

The Power of Partnership

No great journey is traveled alone. Top leaders on the collaborations rewriting what’s possible for bases and the communities around them.

Great Communities Making an Impact

The mission lives in the community. Ten years. 60 places. Proof that where you are matters. Presented by Sourcewell

What’s Next

Fifty years brought us here. What comes next will define the next generation — including exciting announcements about what lies ahead.

MEET THE PERFORMERS

FOLK
Winter Grain
U.S. Army Veteran · Endorsed by Operation Encore

CLASSICAL VIOLIN
Steven SadlowskiSon of Community Plans and Liaison Officer, Grandson of WWII Veteran

ROCK PERFORMANCE
Max Impact
U.S. Air Force Band
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Become a Partner or Sponsor

ADC50 offers unique, high-visibility partnership opportunities tied to this landmark celebration designed to spotlight communities, support ADC’s mission, and engage a national audience in a meaningful way. Opportunities include hosted tables, branded experiences, and special activations that connect partners directly with defense community leaders.

To learn more about partnership and sponsorship opportunities, contact us at info@defensecommunities.org.