OKLAHOMA CITY -- The state of Oklahoma reaffirmed its support to its military units with the signing of the Oklahoma Armed Forces Community Covenant Jan. 11 during halftime activities at an Oklahoma City Thunder basketball game at the Ford Center.
The formal covenant signing was part of the NBA Thunder's 2nd Annual Military Appreciation Night and an opportunity for fans to demonstrate their support of the military.
Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill Commanding General Maj. Gen. David Halverson was one of the numerous military and civic leaders, who signed the covenant.
The covenant is a show of support to all Oklahoma Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, National Guardsmen, Reservists and their families, Halverson said to the audience in the packed arena.
About a dozen people participated in the signing ceremony, which included active duty, National Guard and reserve leaders from all components along with state and civic officials. And, Thunder fans had the opportunity to sign the covenant before the game when it was on display on the concourse.
Also during halftime, about 40 young men and women took the oath of military service during a mass enlistment ceremony, which drew cheers and applause from the crowd.
Outside the Ford Center, fans were treated to military displays positioned along Reno Avenue, including air defense and field artillery from Fort Sill.
The Oklahoma Armed Force Community Covenant reads: "Together, we are committed to building strong communities. We the community recognize the commitment service members and their families are making every day. The strength of service members comes from the strength of their families.
The strength of families is supported by the strength of the community. The strength of the community comes from the support of employers, educators, civic and business leaders and its citizens.
We the community are committed to building partnerships that support the strength, resilience and readiness of service members and their families, assisting in the implementation of the Oklahoma Armed Forces Community Covenant."
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