Michigan Delegation Announces Detroit Will Host National Guard Association of the United States Annual Conference in 2024

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Representatives Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) alongside members of the Michigan Congressional delegation today announced that Detroit will host the 146^th Annual National Guard Association of the United States’ General Conference and Exhibition in 2024. The bid to host the conference was submitted by the National Guard Association of Michigan and was supported by members of Michigan’s Congressional delegation. In their letters, the delegation highlighted how Detroit would be an ideal choice to host the conference.

“As the Arsenal of Democracy, Michigan is the automotive and manufacturing capital that allowed us to win WWII and is still the center of cutting-edge research and development that will transform the battlefield,” said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and member of Senate Armed Services Committee. “The resilience of Detroit is an inspiration that reflects the mentality we need to modernize our military and regain our competitive advantage, and I’m proud that Detroit will be hosting this conference.”

“Michigan takes pride in training the men and women of our National Guard in support of our Nation’s defense. Detroit’s rich history and its key role in the origins of Michigan’s National Guard makes it well suited to host this event. I look forward to welcoming National Guard leaders from across the country to this great city,” said Senator Stabenow.

“With Detroit being the birthplace of American tank warfare, it is only fitting that this annual conference be held in our great city,” said Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence. “This allows all of us to show our support for the thousands of guardsmen and women serving around the world on any given day while at the same time promoting the very best of Detroit.”

“Between Michigan’s expertise in robotics, manufacturing, auto, and cyber, and our unique geography that can serve as a multi-domain training environment unmatched anywhere in the U.S., Michigan has so much to offer when it comes to the defense innovation we'll need to counter future threats,” Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin said. “I'm proud Detroit will host the 2024 National Guard Association conference and highlight those capabilities and opportunities.”

“Having the National Guard Association Convention in Detroit is wonderful news for our state. Detroit served as America’s heartbeat in World War II. Michiganders rolled up their sleeves to support our military and protect freedom around the world. Folks from Michigan continue to carry today that same ingenuity and innovative spirit that helped our nation win WWII, which is why we are still considered leaders in development, technology, and cutting-edge research. This conference is yet another opportunity for our state to showcase our world-class innovation and support for our nation’s guardsmen and women,” said Congressman Fred Upton.

“It’s great to see Detroit be selected to host our men and women in uniform. Michigan manufacturing has played a critical role in defending our nation and I look forward to it once again being on display,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga.

“I am excited that the state of Michigan will be hosting the National Guard Association Annual Conference in 2024. I look forward to hosting National Guard service members, particularly because Michigan has such a rich tradition of service and support of the National Guard,” said Congressman Dan Kildee.

“Michigan continues to be the ‘Arsenal of Democracy’ leading the future of American innovation and technology,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “In 2024, we welcome the National Guard Association’s General Conference and Exhibition to Detroit. This important conference will showcase the best of Michigan and honor the hard-working men and women in our armed services.”

“Michigan is the proud home of so many patriotic men and women who have served in the National Guard and I know they look forward to welcoming their fellow Guardsmen to our state in 2024,” said Congressman John Moolenaar. “This will be a tremendous opportunity to show how Michigan is at the forefront of research and innovation that promotes the highest levels of military readiness.”

“As home to cutting-edge research, manufacturing, and outstanding National Guard assets like Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan is a clear leader when it comes to defense. Hosting the National Guard Association of the United States’ conference in Detroit is a fantastic decision, and we look forward to showing off everything Michigan has to offer,” said Congressman Paul Mitchell, a member of the House Armed Service Committee.

“We are excited that Detroit will host the 2024 Army National Guard Annual Conference. I was proud to join with many of my colleagues from Michigan to support this effort, and anticipate a great event,” said Congressman Jack Bergman, Retired Marine Lt. General, and Member of the House Armed Services Committee. “The Michigan National Guard has been exemplary in their conduct and efforts to maintain mission readiness. I’m confident that this event will be a great way to highlight the hard work of the Michigan National Guard and the hundreds of businesses that support Michigan’s Military industrial base.”

“Metro Detroit looks forward to hosting the National Guard Association of the United States 146^th Annual Conference in 2024,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to showcase our incredible manufacturing and automotive workforce, and all the innovation emerging from our region.”

“Detroit has played a proud and historic role supporting, outfitting and empowering American servicemen and woman around the world, which makes it the perfect city to host this conference,” Congressman Andy Levin said. “We welcome the National Guard Association of the United States and look forward to advancing the shared goal of protecting and preparing the men and women who honorably serve our country.”

“We are excited the City of Detroit has been selected to host the 2024 National Guard Association of the United States National Conference,” said Major General Paul Rogers, Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “It will be an honor to bring the senior military leadership from across the nation to Michigan so they can experience the Motor City.  This is an amazing opportunity to highlight America’s comeback city while providing over $25 million in direct economic impact to Detroit.” 

“Every year the National Guard Association of the United States brings together the senior military officials, industry partners, and leaders from the National Guards of all 54 states and territories,” said Scott Meyers, President of the National Guard Association of Michigan. “We are proud that the City of Detroit will be able to highlight our industry and innovation base to future generations of military leaders while displaying the vibrant social life that has emerged from the resurgence of Detroit and Michigan. We appreciate Michigan’s Congressional delegation for their efforts to support our bid.”  

Peters submitted a letter in support of the bid and Stabenow submitted a letter of support as well. In addition, Lawrence and Slotkin led a letter that was signed by U.S. Representatives Jack Bergman (MI-01), Bill Huizenga (MI-02), John Moolenaar (MI-04), Dan Kildee (MI-05), Fred Upton (MI-06), Tim Walberg (MI-07), Andy Levin (MI-09), Paul Mitchell (MI-10), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-13).

More than 5,500 Army and Air National Guard officers from all 50 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia gather annually for the conference. During the conference – which has historically included attendance from senior military officials – topics of discussion include policy, resourcing and Soldier/Airmen care issues. Additionally, over 300 defense industry partners will be present to reveal equipping solutions to the military’s biggest materiel issues.

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