Cohen to sign commitment to military families of deployed

Date: 6/9/2010

June 9, 2010.

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



AGAWAM -- Mayor Richard Cohen is making a firm commitment to military personnel and their families through two measures this week.

The mayor will sign the Army Community Covenant on June 12, which requires the town to assist the families of deployed soldiers. Cohen will also announce the formation of the Agawam Friends of Veterans.

"It's a commitment of our community to not only support our soldiers when they're away but to guarantee support for their families who are left at home," Cohen explained.

He added that the new Friends group would be responsible for those who need assistance during deployment with tasks such as yard work, childcare, counseling and more.

"Although this is an Army, Community Covenant, it is a covenant that is shared by all military personnel and their families," Cohen said.

Western Hampden District's Director of Veterans' Affairs Richard Girard Jr. noted, "This [covenant] is a formal commitment to something we've been doing all along."

"It's not just about the Army it's about all the active duty service members, their families and veterans," Girard added.

The public is invited to attend the signing of the Army Community Covenant on June 12 at 10 a.m. at Agawam High School.

Service management for veterans and their families will continue to be funneled through the Veterans' Affairs Office at Town Hall.

Those interested in becoming a member of the Agawam Friends of Veterans, a volunteer group, should send a letter of interest to Cohen at Town Hall, 36 Main St., Agawam, MA 01001.