WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has joined a bipartisan group of House lawmakers in support of communities with a significant military presence.  Rehberg has joined the Defense Communities Caucus (DCC), which stresses the importance the military plays in communities across Montana and the nation, both economically, and in the lasting commitment to protect our liberties and to look out for the well-being of our military personnel and their families.

“Supporting our men and women in uniform, their families and their communities, is an integral part of the national defense,” said Rehberg, a member of the bicameral Military Family Caucus. “That’s why it’s important to put aside partisanship and work together so communities such as Great Falls and Helena are equipped to meet the unique needs of both their military and civilian populations.”

The Defense Communities Caucus consists of House members who will work together to raise awareness in Congress and the public of the challenges facing defense communities and military installations, coordinate communication between civilian and military interests, and increase legislative efforts towards strengthening the communities’ ability to assist in mission operations. The bipartisan group of Representatives will serve as a unified voice for the hundreds of local communities with either active, closed, or closing military installations.

In Montana, Malmstrom Air Force Base, located in Great Falls, is home to the 341st Missile Wing and 819th RED HORSE Squadron which employ approximately 4,400 people.  The Montana Air National Guard, also based in Great Falls, is home to 351 full-time employees. Helena is the state headquarters of the Montana National Guard and employs more than 400 Guardsmen and civilians.