Army Family Covenant Signing held at Fort Devens Outdoor ceremony pledges support to military families
US ARMY GARRISON FORT DEVENS, DEVENS Mass., -- Outdoors, amongst the fall leaves of New England; supported by Soldiers, Marines, Dept. of the Army civilians, spouses and children, the Fort Devens leadership signed an Army Family Covenant pledge to support and honor families as Soldiers continue to fight the war on terrorism, Nov. 8.
"I am so happy about this,",said Brig. Gen. Oscar S. DePriest IV, commander, 804th Medical Brigade on Devens, prior to his signing. "When we heard about this pledge we knew the importance of the families that stand behind the Soldiers."
The Army Family Covenant signing ceremony is a demonstration of the Army's commitment to improving the quality of life for military families.
"Installations all across our country are signing this pledge to support our military families," said Lt. Col. Steven W. Nott, commander, US Army Garrison Fort Devens, as he addressed the a
udience of more than 75.
"We all know that the military family is the strength behind our Soldiers," he stated.
Secretary of the Army Pete Geren and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. signed the official Army Family Covenant Oct. 17 at Fort Knox, Ky.
The covenant represents a $1.4 billion commitment to improve the quality of life for Army families. It formally recognizes the sacrifices made on the home front while the Army is at war and pledges to standardize funding for existing family programs and services, increase the accessibility and quality of health care, improve Soldier and family housing, ensure excellence in schools, youth services and child care, and expand education and employment opportunities for family members.
"Some of these key family commitments are so important to the military here on Fort Devens," said Maggy Ward, director, Army Community Service. "And that includes all of our Soldiers; even the Marines stationed here and their families."
"Sirs, before you move over to sign the covenant, I'd like to read a letter we received from Massachusetts Senior Senator, Edward M. Kennedy, dated today,"said Tom Ross, executive officer, Fort Devens.
"General DePriest, it's addressed to you," continued Ross.
"Warmest congratulations on the creation of the Army Family Covenant  and I wish very much that I could be there today for the signing ceremony of the Covenant at Fort Devens. Our Commonwealth is grateful that you have chosen Massachusetts as one of the sites at which to hold this ceremony.
Supporting our Soldiers families must be a high priority for the nation and I commend the Army in taking this step in doing so. The success of our Army depends on the well-being of our Army families, and we owe these families our deepest gratitude, respect, and support, since they too are making an extraordinary sacrifice for our nation.
The Army deserves great credit for making this commitment to all Army families through this Covenant, and I look forward very much to working with you in the years ahead to fulfill this solemn commitment.
With great respect and appreciation, sincerely, Ted Kennedy."Â
"It is important to realize that all of us here, are part of the Army family," stated Nott. We recognize the commitment and sacrifices that our families are making everyday. Thank you for your participation in our renewed commitment to the Soldiers and their families," he concluded before signing the Covenant pledge.