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DAYTON — Montgomery and Greene county officials Friday followed in the steps of other communities around the nation and demonstrated their commitment to U.S. military veterans by signing a Community Covenant that pledges full support for integration into civilian life.

The ceremony, with U.S. Federal Judge Walter H. Rice acting as master of ceremonies, drew more than 100 veterans, active military and their supporters to the Dayton VA Medical Center’s Catholic Chapel.

The Covenant program started as an Army idea, but it extends to other service branches and is endorsed by the American Legion. It aims to galvanize civic leadership to show support for vets by emphasizing service delivery, assistance and recognition. The Legion said more than 450 covenants have been signed in 48 states, three territories and Washington, D.C. since 2008.

Navy veteran Dell Steiner, 46, of Dayton, was pleased with the signing that included Congressman Mike Turner, R-Centerville, Greene County Commissioner Marilyn Reid, Montgomery County Commissioner Deborah Lieberman, and representatives from the offices of Ohio’s U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman.

Rice said the Covenant is not legally binding, but he expects that a survey will be conducted in a year to determine how well the counties are doing at keeping faith with veterans.

“It’s not a binding contract or a bunch of platitudes,” Rice said. “It represents the coming together of Greene and Montgomery counties to take practical stops to assist veterans and their families. It contains not empty promises, but pledges of commitment.”

By Steve Bennish, Staff Writer
Dayton Daily News

 

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