FORT CARSON, Colo. -Pikes Peak region community leaders gathered with local military leaders and servicemembers June 6 to sign the Army Community Covenant, a formal recognition designed to develop and foster effective state and community partnerships with the Army in improving the quality of life for Soldiers, and their Families, and the communities surrounding the post.
Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston, Maj. Gen. Mark A. Graham, commanding general, Division West (First Army) and Fort Carson, Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera, and Fountain Mayor Jeri Howells signed the document of support, as did other community members such as Brig. Gen. Thomas D. Mills, assistant adjutant general, Colorado National Guard, Sgt. Evan McDonald, Adela Stearn, and Chynna Stephens during the breakfast ceremony.
The Army Community Covenant is a formal, tailored agreement between the Army and local communities. The covenant strengthens the bond between the communities of the Pikes Peak region and the Fort Carson.
"It takes great resolve for the men and women we have in uniform to continue to serve, putting their lives on the line each and every day and for the unforeseeable future. That resolve is strengthened through your efforts that tirelessly support our Soldiers, their Families, the children, the widowed and the weary. I know of no better community in the Army that one could serve than right here at Fort Carson and that is because of you and the efforts put forth daily by the communities that surround this wonderful Army post," said Graham.
The Army Community Covenant states:
"Together, we are committed to building strong communities.
We, the community, recognize ...
... The commitment Soldiers and Families are making every day.
... The strength of Soldiers 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 Soldiers and their Families.
... Assisting in the implementation of the Army Family Covenant."
"This covenant is a notable who call Colorado Springs home," said William J. Hybl, civilian aide to the secretary of the Army and chief executive officer of El Pomar Foundation, who was as a feature speaker along with the mayors, Graham and Preston.
"But even more important is the fact that we act on this commitment in many different ways. There are countless examples of community members who rise to the occasion and take responsibility to do whatever is necessary to make this an environment where military families feel comfortable. Our support is particularly crucial now, considering the stress that can be incurred by Families and Soldiers during lengthy deployments."
Local communities, business leaders, organizations, and civic leaders, including others across the country, have shown their support for Soldiers and Families through various programs and initiatives. The Army Community Covenant recognizes this effort and formalizes it between the Army and the surrounding communities. These programs and participating organizations are featured at the Community Covenant Web site at www.acsim.army.mil/ community_covenant.
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