Covenant supports critical services at Vicenza

By USAG Vicenza Public AffairsNovember 18, 2008

VICENZA, Italy - Since Army leaders unveiled the Army Family Covenant worldwide last year, more than one million dollars has been committed to family programs at U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza.

"The covenant communicates the Army's commitment to provide the Army family with a quality of life that honors the sacrifices our Soldiers and their families make to protect America's freedom," said Francis Packard, acting chief of Army Community Service for the Vicenza military community.

"With this commitment and the additional funding," Packard said, "these promises are becoming a reality."

Packard said ACS has been able to increase full-time staff to meet operational demands, added military family life consultants, expanded educational opportunities for family members, improved respite care for exceptional family members and supported the warrior transition program.

"Six permanent full-time positions have been added," Packard said. "In the past some of these positions were filled by contractors, but permanent employees will ensure stronger continuity in programming."

The ACS positions added with the help of Army Family Covenant funds are: Army Family Team Building and Family Action Plan coordinator; marketing specialist; Family Advocacy Program specialist; program support assistant, information and referral receptionist; and a mobilization and deployment specialist.