Governor Signs First Community Military Covenant

Press Release

Governor Signs First Community Military Covenant

North Dakota Cities, Counties, Tribal Governments Pledge Support for Military

Gov. John Hoeven today signed the first-ever Community Military Covenant during a ceremony at the state Capitol formally acknowledging the state's support for veterans, service members and their families.

Hoeven was joined by North Dakota's legislative leadership, officials from each branch of the U.S. military and representatives from the North Dakota League of Cities and the North Dakota Association of Counties. Officials representing cities, counties, tribal governments and veterans organizations were also in attendance and will be signing similar covenants pledging their continued support for military families.

"North Dakota's service members are being called on more and more to serve their state and country, whether defending freedom in foreign lands or protecting communities from rising flood waters," said Hoeven. "This covenant exemplifies our gratitude for their service and sacrifice and strengthens our commitment to support them and their families. We sign this covenant in honor of the patriots who have dedicated their lives to defending this great nation and the ideals on which it was founded."

The covenant initiative is the work of the statewide Interservice Family Assistance Committee, or ISFAC, along with the North Dakota League of Cities and the North Dakota Association of Counties. ISFAC is comprised of military service branches, the Governor's Office, congressional offices, veterans' organizations and numerous others across the state with a connection to supporting service members and their families.

"This initiative to get a covenant signed in every community in North Dakota was not borne out of the need to garner community support, but rather from the desire to formalize the incredible amount of commitment that cities, counties and tribal governments across North Dakota have and continue to give to our military members and their families," said Chief Warrant Officer Shelly Sizer, ISFAC chairperson. "The flood efforts in recent weeks have driven home what an important role our military and community members share. It's just one of many examples we recognize with this covenant, both today and in the many signings that will follow."

Representatives from each military branch, as well as veterans service organizations were present at today's signing. Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk spoke as commander of the state's largest group of service members, the North Dakota National Guard.

"The readiness and success of our all-volunteer force relies on the community support provided to them and their families," said Sprynczynatyk. "We have Soldiers and Airmen serving around the globe and right here at home. Addressing flooding throughout the state in recent weeks has shown how cohesively we all can and do work together - employers and family members support their Guard member's service while our Guardsmen work directly with communities and other organizations for a common good."

North Dakota cities, counties and tribal governments left today's signing with the tools necessary to formalize their support by signing a Community Military Covenant in their own communities.

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