FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Leaders of the communities of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff hosted Fort Carson leaders Tuesday to sign a partnership committed to recognizing the strength of Soldiers and Families and the support of the public.
Held at the Custer County High School gymnasium, the Army Community Covenant signing highlights and recognizes the numerous ties and bonds Fort Carson has with the Westcliffe and Silver Cliff communities.
"The community covenant was created by the Secretary of the Army to display support of the community to come together making a commitment to show their dedication to our military and their Families," said Terrance McWilliams, a former Fort Carson command sergeant major and current military director for the El Pomar Foundation, during his introduction remarks.
"The strength of the community comes from the support of employers, educators, civic and business leaders and its citizens," McWilliams said.
"This is another historic day for the Army and the Westcliffe community that dates back to October of 1959, which was the time of the big snowstorm that left about 10,000 cattle stranded without food. Soldiers came to help, battling waist-deep snow to save the cattle and would gladly help again if needed, just as they did a couple months ago with the Waldo Canyon Fire," said Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson.
The Westcliffe community, along with Dave Roever at Eagles Summit Ranch, hosted an event called "Outdoor Buddies," that pays tribute to wounded warriors and their Families. Soldiers from the 10th Combat Support Hospital, a partner unit, participate in Custer County events each year and recently participated in the Memorial Day parade, Anderson said.
The covenant is designed to develop and foster effective state and community partnerships with the Army in improving the quality of life for military members and their Families, both at their current duty stations and as they transfer from state to state.
"This is great that the Army came here because it shows they want to be involved with our community. I'm glad this is happening," said Derek G. Staton, a junior at Custer County High School and one of about 50 high school students who attended the ceremony.
Proud of his family's military background, Staton plans to join the Army after graduation.
"This (covenant signing) shows Fort Carson cares about us," Staton said.
The ceremony began with some light-hearted fun when Anderson tossed a cream puff pastry to Lane Byerly, a Custer County High School junior and member of the football team. The commanding general later presented the young man with a 4th Infantry Division coin.
American Legion and Patriot Guard member William "Wild Bill" Miller was glad to be a part of the ceremony.
"Our members participate in many community and military events, including the annual toy run and escorting military funerals," Miller said.
Charles Bogle, a retired Army colonel and co-chairman of the Fort Carson Retiree Council, was pleased with the attendance.
"Good turnout today with more than 200 people attending," he said. "I am proud to see the participation of the community."
Spc. Joyce Cochran, 10sth CSH, was moved by the ceremony.
"My brother, Marine Lance Cpl. Kenneth Cochran, died while we were deployed together in January. Being from a small town myself, it makes me feel good to know that small communities stand behind the military," she said.
Other Fort Carson military representatives attending the signing include Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Stall, senior enlisted leader, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson; Col. Patrick J. Ahearne, deputy commander for Health Services, Evans Army Community Hospital; Maj. Brian Spangler, commander, Rear Detachment, 10th CSH; and Master Sgt. Daniel R. Traver, senior enlisted leader, Rear Detachment, 10th CSH.
"Our successful collaboration will continue to enhance the lives of Soldiers and Families into the future. The well-being of our Soldiers and Families remains a top priority. We appreciate all you do and everyone's continued support," Anderson said.
Fort Carson leaders hope to sign an Army Community Covenant with Denver and northern communities sometime next year.
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