Leaders recommit to Army Family Covenant
FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- Military families joined leaders from Fort Belvoir and the National Capital Region Monday night for the installation's third Military Family Appreciation Celebration, an evening of food and fun in recognition of the spouses and children of the post's servicemembers.
The evening also included the signing of the Army Family Covenant, recommitting the post's leaders to providing families a strong, supportive environment where they can thrive.
While the outside of the Community Center was transformed into a makeshift playground for children, plenty of smiles were inside the ballroom as senior leaders mingled with Soldiers and their families over music and food.
Jenna Kraynak, a student at Mount Vernon High School, kicked things off with a rousing rendition of the national anthem and was followed by Installation Commander Col. Jerry Blixt and Installation Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Berhane.
While addressing guests, Blixt said the event was the Army's way of publicly recognizing the sacrifices Soldiers and their families make in their everyday lives. Alluding to the Covenant, Berhane added it's a promise the Army will never give up on.
Maj. Gen. Karl Horst, commanding general of Joint Forces Headquarters - National Capital Region and Military District of Washington, was one of several invited guests and was quite impressed with the night's turnout.
According to him, the Covenant stands as a very important promise to Soldiers, families and, in particular, children.
"It's our promise to take care and provide programs that help not only our Soldiers and spouses, but our children, too," Horst told the audience. "For all you kids out there, how you support your moms and dads is very important. You're very special and you light up our lives."
Staff Sgt. Cavin Cook of Headquarters and Headquarters Company - Special Activities is no stranger to covenant signings. He attended a Community Covenant celebration in Springfield in August. He said events like this are great for community relations.
"It's wonderful that the Army stays interconnected with families and that we can all come together for some fun," Cook said. "The participation seems to be getting better and better."
Master Sgt. Carolyn Dade, also from HHC-SA, agreed that the dinner goes a long way in bringing everyone closer together.
"It's nice that we can enjoy each others' company tonight," Dade said. "This evening was special and it was a lot fun."
Robin Johnson, director of Army Community Service, said the original Military Family Appreciation Dinner was in November 2007 and that its popularity on post has grown ever since.
"The focus is about supporting families. That's what this evening is all about," Johnson said. "It's important to acknowledge the contributions of families and show them the Army will always be there when they need it." "
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