July 31, 2009 

On behalf of the more than 100,000 members of the Association of the United States Army, I want to add our support for H Con Res 170, supporting the Community Covenant initiative of the Secretary of the Army.  This important program recognizes the contributions of all service members and their families in this time of war and encourages communities across America to support the brave men and women who serve in our military.

The goal of Community Covenant is to reach every corner of America by creating a Congressional Resolution that encourages every community to host their own Covenant signing ceremony and take steps to increase their support for our troops and their families. 

Since the initial Community Covenant signing ceremony in Columbus, GA in 2008, over 170 communities across America have conducted similar ceremonies.  Almost 400 mayors and over half the governors in the country have participated in such a ceremony.  Another 100 ceremonies are being planned.  Thousands have benefitted from the many community-led programs that show support for our troops and their families. 

Thank you for spearheading this effort, and I look forward to seeing the support of our Congress for this critically important initiative.

                                                                                             Sincerely,

                                                                                             GORDON R. SULLIVAN
                                                                                                General, USA Retired