Fort Eustis Commander and Chief of Transporation Brig. Gen. Brian R. Layer commits himself to the families and Soldiers of the installation with his signature during a ceremony for the re-signing of the Army Family Covenant at the Fort Eustis Club No...
FORT EUSTIS, Va. (November 24, 2009) -- Fort Eustis leadership reaffirmed its commitment to Army families with the re-signing of the Army Family Covenant during a ceremony at the Fort Eustis Club Nov. 18.
Before the ceremonial signing of the pact, Fort Eustis Commander and Chief of Transportation Brig. Gen. Brian R. Layer spoke of the strength and support families provide for their Soldiers, especially in times of strife and uncertainty.
"There's nothing I can say to convey my gratitude to the families and all that you do, so I'll just say this: We're Army Strong because of you," Layer said.
Guest of honor Newport News Mayor Joe Frank also expressed his -and the city's- gratitude and appreciation for the Soldiers and families of Eustis.
"The military has been a vital, important part of our community, and I can't fully express how deeply grateful we are to all of you for your volunteering in our community and for protecting our country," Frank said.
The event included a presentation of accreditation of the Fort Eustis Army Community Service and the Child, Youth and School Services. The signing of the compact was followed with a pasta dinner and entertainment provided by the Child Development Center's "Strong Beginnings" preschool and kindergarten program. Face painting and information booths manned by representatives of Balfour Beatty Communities, the Newport News Public Library System, TRICARE, Army One Source and Army Community Services were also available for event attendees.
Initially signed Oct. 29, 2007 ,the compact is a formal written commitment by the Army to improve the quality of life for Army families.
Through this contract, the Army pledges to find and implement ways to increase availability and quality of health care, to improve and expand youth and childcare services, provide and improve Soldier and family housing, and to help family members with education and employment opportunities.
Under the watchful eye of then-commander Maj. Gen. Jim Chambers, several initiatives came into fruition during the first four months into the new initiative.
One of the first items implemented was a free shuttle service. The service runs Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with stops in all areas of post housing, the Post Exchange and Commissary, McDonald Army Health Center, Army Community Service and other key points on post. For stop locations and runtimes, call Eustis Information, Travel and Recreation/Information Tour and Travel Office at 878-3694.
Another initiative implemented was free movies at Jacobs Theater each Saturday. Each week current films are available at the theater at no charge for military ID card holders.
Another objective implemented under Chambers' watch was the increased availability of recreational sports leagues for children. Following an Army-wide initiative, the activity fee for team sports for children of mission level one personnel - deployed Soldiers, Department of Defense civilians, and families of Wounded Warriors - is waivered for two team sports per year.
Children of mission level two and three personnel, including personnel assigned to Eustis under temporary change of station orders, permanent change of station on unaccompanied tours, temporary duty of 90 to 179 days, and rear detachment cadre orders, the activity fee is waived for one team sport per year.
For Soldiers and families pursuing career or educational goals, the expansion of child and youth services and programs for military families was a top priority.
Under the AFC, new programs are in place that provide for services to families of deployed Soldiers and DoD civilians that are free or available at a reduced rate. In addition, families can now register their youth with Eustis' Child Youth and School Services with no annual fee.
Another benefit now offered is a 20 percent reduction of monthly fees for full or regular part-time care in both the Child Development Center and School Age Services programs. To participate in these or other programs offered, children must be registered with the installation Child and Youth and School Services offices.
Other programs and benefits are available, such as free dinners for families of deployed Soldiers at the Transportation Regimental Memorial Chapel, specials at the installation bowling alley and pools, and other services and opportunities through Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation. For more information, call 878-3102.
Army Family Covenant
We recognize the commitment and increasing
sacrifices that our families
are making every day.
We recognize the strength of our Soldiers
comes from the strength of their families.
We are committed to providing Soldiers and families a quality of life that is commensurate with their service.
We are committed to providing our families a strong, supportive environment where they can thrive.
We are committed to building a partnership with Army families that
Enhances their strength and resilience
Standardizing and funding existing family programs and services
Increasing accessibility and quality
of health care
Improving Soldier and family housing
Ensuring excellence in schools, youth services and child care
Expanding education and employment opportunities for family members
We recognize......
The commitment and increasing sacrifices
that our families are
making every day
The strength of our Soldiers comes from the
strength of their families
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