Fort Belvoir, Va. (Aug 29, 2014) - Hundreds showed up for the annual Springfield Community Bridge Walk Tuesday. The bridge walk, which honors those who lost their lives during 9/11, ended with the signing of the Army Community Covenant by military officials.
Jeff McKay, Fairfax County supervisor for Lee District, said it was the event's 13th year.
"We have a very strong military presence in Fairfax County. Most people don't realize that Fort Belvoir is Fairfax County's largest employer," he said. "(The Army Community Covenant) lays out the understandings between the community and Fort Belvoir and the importance of each other to the success of the base and the success of Fairfax County."
Griselda Meza, military spouse, said her Family moved to the area in July. She wanted to do something that allowed the Family to be part of the Springfield community.
Her husband, Maj. Albert Meza, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, said his wife and children also came out to support the signing of the Army Community covenant.
"It's nice that the community and military are a partnership," Albert said.
The Army Community Covenant was signed by Col. Michelle Mitchell, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, commander; Maj. Gen. Mark Quantock, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, military deputy; and Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/Military District of Washington, commanding general.
"The bridge walk has become a source of celebration by bringing together communities and creating opportunities for us to show our appreciation for one another (and) to thank the servicemembers and their Families for their service and their sacrifices," Mitchell said. "The renewal of this covenant serves as a reminder of our relationship; it supports the readiness and resilience of our military community and recognizes Fort Belvoir's commitment to being good neighbors as an integral part of this community."
This was Quantock's first bridge walk, he said, but he was grateful NGA was part of the Springfield community.
He called local communities the "heart of America" and said the level of support the community gives the military is astounding.
"Thank you for welcoming the agency into your community, thank you for supporting our servicemen and women, here and around the globe," Quantock said. "Thanks for all that you do to support our great nation."
Buchanan, who lived in the area as a child, also thanked the community.
"We had a couple of sayings about home when I was growing up, and one of them was, 'Home is where the Army sends you,'" he said. "I've now been in the Army for 32 years and last summer, my wife and I made our 22nd move, so I really do understand that one. But we have another saying about home, which is, 'Home is where your heart is.' You have welcomed us into your neighborhoods, you've taken our kids into your schools, you've coached, taught and mentored our kids … you really have made us a part of your community. So thanks for making this place where our heart is and thanks for making this our home."
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