 "Photo: Sam Smith")
Representatives of the U.S. Army, Bryan-College Station community and Texas A&M University joined together on the 50-yard line at Kyle Field Wednesday for the Army Covenant Signing Ceremony.
The signing ceremony publicly reiterated the Army and the Bryan-College Station community's commitment to Army families by recognizing their sacrifices to their country. The Army Covenant would make a more balanced life for soldiers and their families through various community projects and support systems such as Army One Source, a 24/7-resource center for military members, spouses and families.
"We, as Americans, should honor all Army families and their endless commitment to their nation," said Phil Shackelford, the Field Representative to Congressman Chet Edwards.
Congressman Edwards was not present at the ceremony. Shackelford read a letter from Edwards addressing soldiers and Army families and thanking them for sacrifices to their country.
"We have a moral obligation to the fighting men and women who have served us," said Congressman Edwards, read by Shackelford.
A&M Interim President R. Bowen Loftin, College Station Mayor Ben White, Bryan Mayor Mark Conlee and other honored dignitaries from the United States Army attended the event.
"Texas A&M University has a proud history of producing the highest quality of officers as well as members of the community," Loftin said. "This covenant will be the framework to help our community world together to support and aid our brave men and women and their families."
The mayors said they shared Loftin's passion of commitment to the men and women of the Army.
"College Station has always been a part of the great tradition of serving others and this event represents another great involvement the city can participate in," White said.
Supporting military personnel is essential, said Bryan Mayor Mark Conlee.
"We must recognize those who have served us in the military as well as recognize the families that support them," Conlee said. "We must reinforce our dedication to them through our involvement in the Army Covenant."
Brig. Gen. James H. Doty, the commanding officer for the 420th Engineer Brigade also thanked Army families.
"The Army is the strength of the nation, but family is the strength of the Army soldiers," Doty said.
The Army Covenant aims to improve the quality of life for the families and soldiers.
The ceremony also spotlighted men who had recently enlisted in the Army through the Huntsville Recruiting program.
"Every month, Huntsville enlists 30 to 40 men and women who wish to serve and protect their country," said Capt. David Humphreys of the Huntsville Recruiting program.
The recently enlisted men included Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. The new soldiers received their oaths to become Army members by Gen. Doty.
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