Congratulations to U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, Mayor John Suthers, local business leaders, and all others who routinely show Pentagon officials the merits of placing sophisticated military operations in Colorado Springs.

“It’s a win for national security,” Lamborn said.

A story by Gazette senior military writer Tom Roeder explains how Lamborn lobbied Army leaders for months to choose Colorado Springs as the location for 800 new troops. They will staff a new brigade with expertise in training foreign militaries. At least 1,200 family members will join them in the Springs.

The addition will bring Fort Carson’s troop population above 25,000, which is the most since the Vietnam War.

“I’m thrilled that this is becoming a reality,” said Gardner, who also sold Pentagon leaders on locating the brigade at Fort Carson. “It further demonstrates the important role Fort Carson has for our national security and military readiness as the men and women of this brigade will contribute to missions with allied nations and partners around the world.”

As Roeder explains, this is just the latest in positive military developments for Colorado Springs.

“Last month, the Pentagon ordered the move of 150 troops to Schriever Air Force Base from California. The troops, part of the Joint Force Space Component Command, are part of the Pikes Peak region’s growing role in control of military satellite efforts,” Roeder explains. “Schriever is also home to the new National Space Defense Center, which became operational earlier this year. The center, with workers from the Air Force and intelligence agencies, devises plans to protect military satellites from enemy attack.

“Peterson Air Force Base this year is getting a new 100-member Colorado National Guard satellite squadron.”

Among a variety of important roles as Colorado’s soon-to-be largest city, Colorado Springs serves as host to the Air Force Academy, Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base, Space Command, the U.S. Northern Command, the U.S. Aerospace Defense Command and more. We are home to nearly 100,000 veterans because they choose to live here. Enlisted Army personnel request relocation to Fort Carson more than any other post.

None of this is by chance. Colorado Springs remains the country’s best military town because community leaders work hard at properly hosting our country’s national defense assets and personnel. Military enlistees and officers, of all ranks, are mostly good people. We are wise to welcome them here, and they appreciate our efforts.

Hosting military operations is an honor, privilege and responsibility we must never take for granted. Our community should consistently strive to improve our service to those who protect and defend our freedom.