FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - U.S. Army Alaska and Fort Wainwright garrison leaders joined with Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to honor businesses for their support of Soldiers and families during a reception February 17 at Birch Hill Ski Lodge on post.
Businesses provided more than $116,000 through the Commercial Sponsorship Program in 2009.
"Businesses help us support our mission of supporting the Army community," said Fort Wainwright's Commercial Sponsorship and Advertising manager, Michael Campbell. "Commercial sponsorship is a mutually beneficial program that supports FMWR programs for Soldiers and their families."
Approximately 40 businesses attended and were recognized for their continued support for FMWR during the inaugural reception.
Garrison Commander, Col. Timothy A. Jones, recognized and thanked the Fairbanks sponsors for their continued support for the Soldiers and their families.
Businesses participate in the sponsorship and advertising program which in turn provides resources to support FMWR events and programs such as the post tree-lighting and holiday party, post Halloween extravaganza, March Madness at the post's ski and snowboard hill and the Army Family Action Plan conferences for youth and adults.
Some businesses have partnered with Fort Wainwright for many years; others are newcomers. JL Properties, Inc. joined FMWR in 2009 and was among the companies recognized at the reception. The company, "recognize our military is a vital part of our community," JL Properties Inc., spokeswoman Andrea Bean said, "and we appreciate every opportunity we've had through the FMWR to support the Soldiers and their families by supporting financially and contributing to their experiences here in Fairbanks on a personal level."
Through the commercial sponsorship program, businesses support FMWR programs that benefit single and married Soldiers, military retirees, spouses and youth, reaching a wide range of potential customers. About 18,000 Soldiers, retirees, civilian employees and family members live, work and shop in the Fairbanks community, according to the installation's January 2010 demographics report.
Through the commercial sponsorship program, businesses have been able to relate and respond to Soldiers and their families to reach a key segment of their market, Campbell said. "They form and strengthen their relationships with Soldiers and families through the commercial sponsorship program," he said.
"FMWR is "the heart of the Army," Campbell said. "We provide the events and the experiences." He said FMWR also fosters relationships "to enhance the true Alaskan experience for Army Soldiers and their families."
FMWR programs support both the Army Family Covenant and Army Community Covenant. In December 2009, U.S. Army Alaska, Medical Department Activity-Alaska and Fort Wainwright garrison leaders joined in the re-affirmation of the Army Family and Warrior Care covenants.
The Army Community Covenant was signed June 2008, before several hundred Fort Wainwright Soldiers, family members, community and government leaders and friends. Key local and state officials and Army leaders signed the Army Community Covenant as a public affirmation of a partnership and commitment to Soldiers and their families.
"The Fairbanks community demonstrates its support for our Soldiers and our mission by their actions not just their words," Jones said. "There is no community that has more heart than the Fairbanks community."
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