VALDOSTA — The kickoff for South Georgia Loves Moody week ushered in community elite to celebrate and honor Moody Air Force Base for being named one of five Great American Defense Communities.

Officials from local communities such as Mayor John Gayle and Cook County Representative Heather Green gathered on stage at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts to extend a joint proclamation to Col. Jennifer Short of Moody.

“We’re very appreciative of you and your leadership out at Moody Air Force Base and what you mean to this community,” Lowndes County Commission Chairman Bill Slaughter said.

Lee Arthur of the South Georgia Military Affairs Council, Lowndes, introduced Congressman Austin Scott and Jody Redding, spokesperson for Sen. Johnny Isakson.

Redding shared remarks from Isakson, reading a letter penned by the U.S. senator.

“Since 1941, this region of my state has been the proud home of Moody Air Force Base and some of the best airmen in the world,” Redding read. “It is much more than simply a place to live. For our military members serving in Moody, their community is a place to call home.”

During the ceremony, Scott announced military personnel will receive a 2.4 percent pay raise.

“It is the largest pay raise in a long time,” he said.

Hospice care will also be provided to military members and their families, with certain stipulations, Scott said.

“We’re continuing to try to help them in a bipartisan manner,” he said.

A video of Sen. David Perdue was shown as he highlighted what it means to be labeled a Great American Defense Community.

“It’s a tremendous honor, it’s a prestigious honor and one that you should be extremely proud of,” he said. "Moody Air Force Base is critical to the region, our state and especially our entire community and the military that serves it.”

A Great American Defense Community flag was also presented before closing remarks.

The week will continue Tuesday with Pray for Moody Day and South Georgia Loves Moody Kids Day will commence Wednesday, during which everyone is asked to wear purple.

Fly Your Flag for Moody Day will be Thursday while the invite-only Red Carpet for Moody Day will be Friday.

Military members and their families are invited to South Georgia Businesses Love Moody Day at Valdosta Mall Saturday.