MMA Welcomes Leaders Focused on Strengthening Rural Communities and Economic Mobility

Missouri Military Academy was proud to welcome about 35 visitors from the National Association of Counties (NACo) Rural Leaders for Economic Mobility (RLEM) Peer Exchange to our campus in September 2025.

This group of government and community leaders from across the country came together in Mexico, Missouri, to share ideas and learn from one another about how to strengthen rural communities and expand economic opportunity — helping families move out of poverty and build a stronger future.

Their visit to MMA gave us the chance to share who we are, what we do, and how our Academy contributes to education, leadership, and the local economy. Opportunities like this help build important relationships and grow support for our cadets and our mission at the local, state, and national levels.

A special thank-you to Leslie Meyer and the NACo team for including us in the program, and to our staff who helped make the visit a success — especially Deputy Commandant for Support, Security, and Transportation Maj. James G. Poettker and driver Donnita Martie.