FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Army and community leaders reaffirmed the relationship between the Fort Carson and Front Range communities during the signing of the Army Community Covenant at the Colorado Springs Town Hall, May 2.
During the ceremony, Secretary of the Army, the Honorable John McHugh, highlighted the longstanding relationship of trust and mutual support that already exists between Fort Carson and the surrounding communities.
"Really, this is a reaffirmation of a partnership and friendship that has been going on for many years," McHugh said. "In 1942, the taxpayers of this great community decided to get together and pool their recourses, buy some land and give it to the Army. That place is now known as Fort Carson."
"There has been a partnership for every one of those 70 years that has thrived and prospered," he added. "That is what makes the partnership with Fort Carson particularly special."
McHugh, joined by the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson commanding general, Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson, and garrison commander, Col. Robert McLaughlin, signed the document on behalf of the Soldiers and Families of Fort Carson.
The Honorable Steve Bach, Mayor of Colorado Springs; the Honorable William Hybl, civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army; and Colorado Springs City Councilman, the Honorable Scott Hente, signed the covenant on behalf of the citizens and government of Colorado Springs.
Fort Carson and Colorado Springs leaders previously signed a covenant in 2009. By signing a new covenant, Bach, the newly elected mayor, and Anderson reaffirmed the importance of strong ties between the two communities.
"As we celebrate this partnership, I am truly humbled by the commitment this community provides on a daily basis to our military men and women," Anderson said. "The outstanding support here is unequaled by anywhere else I've been."
"Your continued support is essential to our success in fighting and winning our nation's wars, and we are extremely grateful for everything you do," he said.
Bach, who settled in Colorado Springs after serving as an artilleryman at Fort Carson, said the covenant is a physical representation of the residents of Colorado Springs' commitment to the Soldiers and Families of Fort Carson.
"On behalf of our city … I just want to express how much we respect all of our military, the U.S. Army, the 4th Inf. Div., and all the people who serve and sacrifice so much for us," Bach said. "I hope you know that your fellow citizens here love you very much."
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