Lansing, Mich.-Michigan mayors, elected officials, military leaders and Lt. Gov. John Cherry Jr., will convene in the Governor's ceremonial office, Nov. 12 at 9:30 a.m. to sign the Michigan Military Family and Community Covenant. Covenant signings are taking place nationwide as states gather together to show support of U.S. military men and women and their families, from all branches of service.

Michigan's program is modeled after the Army Community Covenant which began in October 2007 when the secretary of the Army initiated the Army Family Covenant to symbolize its commitment to Soldiers and their families. The commitment is a formal recognition of their sacrifices, and the fact that they are shouldering the burden of war for our nation. The senior leaders substantively backed up their commitment through funding a number of quality of life programs. The Army continues to find ways to improve the quality of life of our Soldiers and their Families, thus improving readiness.

"It is my honor to host the community covenant signing ceremony as a heartfelt show of support for Michigan Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines," said Cherry. "They serve all of America, in every state, every community, and every neighborhood and in hundreds of countries overseas. I am humbled by the strength of their patriotism and the extraordinary level of sacrifices they make for us."

"For many, many years Michigan communities have provided wonderful support to Soldiers and their families," said Maj. Gen. Thomas Cutler, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard. "We witness this support daily from civic and business leaders, educators, citizen groups, employers and individual members of Michigan government. Community support is absolutely critical for the well-being of our Soldiers and their families and for the success of military missions."

Today, approximately 1,600 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed across the globe in support of the war on terrorism; however, as the Michigan Guard serves the nation abroad, more than 85 percent of the force is available, trained and ready to respond to a state emergency including a terrorist event.

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