By David Spunt Reporter
News 3 On Your Side
Fort Benning and surrounding communities are making Army history. It's even big enough for the secretary of the army to come to town.News 3 On Your Side
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Stumble It!It's called the Army Community Covenant. It's a piece of paper, but its mission is so much more.
The idea is to recognize the partnership Fort Benning has with the surrounding communities. The Valley area is the first in the country to sign the document, setting an example for others.
Retired Command Sergeant Major Eddie Roberts came to Fort Benning's Airborne School in 1965. He says he’s proud of the positive relationship Fort Benning has shared with the surrounding communities.
“That shows the world that Fort Benning, Columbus, and Phenix City has really come together and we are a family of one,” he said.
Columbus Mayor Jim Wetherington, Phenix City Mayor Jeff Hardin and Fort Benning Commanding General Walter Wojdakowski signed the first ever Army Community Covenant.
U.S. Army Secretary Pete Geren also signed the covenant.
“There's no substitute for neighbors helping neighbors and that's why we have this community covenant to thank Columbus and Phenix City for the support that they give our families and to affirm what they do to build on it,” Geren said.
It's the Army's plan to have every installation across the country sign a covenant with its surrounding communities. The Army chose the Valley area to lead the pack because of its high standards.
“There's so much camaraderie that's came now because of the military concept that it’s grown and it’s just fantastic. We're on a roll now,” Roberts said.
Eddie Roberts joined fellow soldiers on stage to watch the signing of the covenant. He says he can't believe it's been forty years since he first came to Fort Benning, and he feels the same way now as he did then.
Secretary Geren told News 3 this morning he plans for more covenants to be signed.
He says he expects all of the installations to sign the covenant with their surrounding communities by the end of December.
