2011 ADC WINTER FORUM | PAGE 2 Fort Riley’s Army Community Covenant Program

In 2008 Fort Riley hosted a large Army Community Covenant ceremony on Fort Riley with the seven communities of the Central Flint Hills Region. The Governor, Congressional Delegation, the Secretary of the Army along with community members signed the seven community covenants plus a state covenant. Approximately 300 attending the ceremony. Following the signing the Adopt-A-Community program was established; this program enables Brigade and Battalion Commanders to provide communities with a unique understanding of “their Division and Army post” but also allows the community to give back to the Soldiers. This effort was developed in recognition of the fact that the majority of American‘s today do not have a Family Member associated with the military. Due to a change in leadership and the addition of an eighth county to the Central Flint Hills Region, the ACCs were re-signed in History

2010 Army Community Covenant Signings To bring Soldiers and community members together and increase the ACC signing attendance, the signings were moved to the communities. Communities chose prominent events in their counties. Signings took place at events from the end of June until the culminating event on 24 Feb at the Capitol in Topeka, Kansas, where the Governor, Commanding General and Division Command Sergeant Major will sign all 9 Covenants. Communities hosted the events with support provided by the brigade linked to that county through the Adopt-A-Community Program. Signers and community members are invited to attend the 24 Feb signing. Attendance: More than 50,000 at Riley Co. signing at the KSU Football game, more than 200 people at the Wabaunsee Co. Fair, more than 100 at the Dickinson Co. Chisholm Trail Days. 4

5 Outcomes/ Benefits Salina stood up Military Affairs Council and started a successful partnership with the Combat Aviation Brigade. Implementation of the Adopt-A-School program:  Contributes military resources and services to community schools in order to nurture the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth of our children, increases awareness of the Army‘s mission, provides Soldier mentors for classroom discussions. Community Openness and support:  Communities welcome Soldiers and Army Families to special events and ceremonies throughout the year. Through this avenue, Army Units have enjoyed events such as high school football, parades, 4th of July celebrations, town festivals and rodeos.