Governor Crist Signs Military Community Covenant Honoring Servicemembers

Press Release

Governor Crist Signs Military Community Covenant Honoring Servicemembers

Recognizes the strength and commitment of servicemembers and their families

Governor Charlie Crist today, continuing his commitment to sustaining Florida's reputation as the most military-friendly state in the nation, signed the Florida Military Community Covenant. The covenant recognizes the strength and commitment of Florida's men and women serving in the nation's Armed Forces and their families.

"The brave men and women who serve in our nation's Armed Forces and Guard remind us of the courage and determination that define America and its freedoms," said Governor Crist. "This covenant represents a pledge of support to our nation's military and military families for the strength, resilience and readiness they demonstrate in defending our country."

During today's signing, taking place on Florida National Guard Day at the Capitol, Governor Crist recognized Florida's more than 12,000 Florida National Guard members. In addition to the Florida National Guard, there are 56,000 men and women based in Florida who currently serve on active duty within the state and throughout the world, while nearly 1.8 million veterans call the state home.

Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army General Peter Chiarelli; Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard Major General Douglas Burnett; and Director of the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development Dale Brill joined Governor Crist in signing the Florida Military Community Covenant.

The Military Community Covenant is part of an initiative begun by the U.S. Army in 2008 to invite communities across America to demonstrate their support for servicemembers and their families.

Defense-related spending currently accounts for $55 billion, or 7.5 percent of Florida's gross state output. In addition, 732,000 direct and indirect jobs in Florida are accounted for by defense-related spending, benefiting all of Florida's 67 counties.

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Florida Military Community Covenant

Together, we are committed to building strong communities.

We recognize…

…the commitment that our servicemembers and their families make every day.

…the strength of our men and women in uniform comes from the strength of their families.

…the strength of our families is supported by the strength of Florida's Communities.

…the strength of our Communities comes from the support of our government and civic leaders, employers and our neighbors.

Florida's Communities are committed to…
…building partnerships that support the strength, resilience, and readiness of servicemembers and their families.

…supporting the families of our deployed servicemembers.

…sustaining Florida's reputation as the most military-friendly state in the nation.

Signed:

Honorable Charlie Crist - Governor of Florida

General Peter W. Chiarelli - Vice Chief of Staff, United States Army

Major General Douglas Burnett - The Adjutant General of Florida

Dr. Dale Brill - Director, Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development

Supporting Those Who Serve

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