Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin, USAWC commandant; Lt. Col. Janet Holliday, garrison commander; and Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Powell, post command sergeant major; sign the Army Family Covenant Aug. 9 in Bliss Hall, reaffirming the installations commitment to sup...

CARLISLE BARRACKS, Penn. - Families are the backbone of the Army and Carlisle Barracks took time Aug. 9 to honor the dedication of family members and stress the important role they play in today's military.

In Bliss Hall, Carlisle Barracks and Army War College leadership signed the Army Family Covenant, and pledged to support Soldiers' Families while they defend the nation. The covenant was signed by Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin, USAWC commandant; Lt. Col. Janet Holliday, garrison commander; and Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Powell, post command sergeant major.

The covenant signing was part of an event to introduce new Army War College students and their families to the multitude of Carlisle Barracks programs designed to help strengthen families, create safe and secure environments for children and allow families to grow and thrive to help meet the challenges of military life.

Army Family Covenant Background

The Army Family Covenant recognizes the commitment, sacrifices and contribution to readiness our Families make every day. Over the next few weeks covenant signing ceremonies will occur at every Army installation worldwide.

The Army Family Covenant commits the Army to provide Families a strong, supportive environment where they can thrive. The words of the covenant are a pledge to ensure our families remain strong, so our Soldiers remain strong:

* 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.

We are committed to improving Family readiness by:

* 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.