Published: May 15, 2008 06:28 pm            

Newton to sign community covenant

NEWTON — On Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m. everyone is invited to come to the Army Community Covenant signing to be held at Newton City Hall.

This is a Beyond The Yellow Ribbon Program put in place to support those who serve. The covenant will be signed by Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, Newton Mayor Michael Pickens and LTC Joe (Less) White III Commander.

“This is a first in community covenant signings to draw support from local communities to deploying soldiers and their families,” CPT, MS, MSARNG Soldier Service and Support Officer Deanna D. Butler said. “This is getting its birth in Newton and will show that the elected local officials will support the families while the soldiers are away emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.”

Butler said the idea behind it is for every community to be aware what is going on and to be self-reliant to take care of their own troops.

“The 1-204th Air Defense Artillery Batallion unit will be leaving to go to Washington D.C. for the second time since 2003,” Butler said. “This is a big opportunity for our unit to be visible by guarding the nation’s capitol, keeping planes from hitting the Pentagon and among other things to protect our nation.”

Butler said the troops shouldn’t have to be stressed over what is happening back home with their families or if they will have a job when they return from a years deployment.

“How do we help them? The Yellow Ribbon Program will have an event for these soldiers where they can come, not dressed in uniform, to get their job skill set,” Butler said. “While they are deployed, job network guys will have someone working back at home to find them a job to come home to. That eases their worries knowing there will be a job waiting for them when they return home.”

Butler said most people don’t know the needs of these soldiers’ families unless you are personally involved.

“A lot of people are reluctant to ask for help, that is why we are encouraging the churches in the communities to find out who these people are and put them together for support,” Butler said. “The people can help these families like cutting the grass, carpooling, giving the mothers a day out, take a child to dance or the ballgame.”We have soldiers that will be leaving from the 1-204th Air Defense Artillery Batallion unit from Newton, Scott, and Jasper counties Butler remarked.

“I encourage every pastor in these counties to come out on May 31 to pray with these soldiers and let them know the churches and communities are here for their families while they are gone,” Butler said. “While the soldiers are away protecting our nation we at home should be there for the families in every way we can.”

Any Pastor who would like to be a part of this day can contact Luke Lane pastor of First Baptist Church in Newton at 601-683-2066.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.