SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (Army News Service, Jul. 7, 2008) -- Community and Army leaders signed the Army Community Covenant July 4, in conjunction with the 37th Annual Fourth of July Spectacular, here on Sills Field.
This Hawaii Army Community Covenant signing is the 30th covenant signed nationwide between Army and state and local leaders. The symbolic commitment of the vital relationship commends communities for their support of Soldiers and their families.
"For the past 100 years, the Hawaiian community has provided tremendous support to Army Soldiers and their families," said Col. Matthew Margotta, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Commander. "We see this support every day amongst civic and business leaders, educators, citizen groups, employers and individual members of the Hawaii Ohana."
Among the signatories are Governor Linda Lingle, state and local elected officials, a Medal of Honor recipient, and community and military leaders.
"It's my honor to sign this community covenant as a symbolic and heartfelt sign of our support," said Governor Linda Lingle. "I'm so grateful that in Hawaii, the military is a part of our ohana, and this community covenant shows just that."
Communities around the nation show Soldiers and their families support every day by offering services such as providing financial guidance, providing jobs for military families, offering wounded warrior support, holding community celebrations, and providing programs for surviving spouses.
"The Army Community Covenant recognizes these local communities -- and civic and service groups -- for their wonderful contributions and support to our Army Family here in Hawaii," Margotta said. "Just as the nation benefits from a strong Army, the Army benefits from the support of strong local communities."
The covenant signing was preceded with a concert by Billy Ray Cyrus. The show was attended by nearly 40,000 spectators.
"Let me be the first to express my mahalo to members of our Armed Services and pay tribute to their dedication to duty and service to our country," wrote U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka. "We owe these honorable men and women and their families an enormous debt of gratitude."
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