Standing below a huge American flag, about 70 young Army recruits raised their right hands and took an oath of enlistment Friday while county commissioners from across the state pledged to support troops and their families.
The Community Covenant Agreement signed Friday is a formal understanding between the military and local governments who agree to help provide resources to military members who are experiencing a variety of issues, or seeking jobs or higher education.
“It helps them understand that help is available and reassures them that they’ll get the resources they need when they return to civilian life, especially in rural areas,” said David Foy, Washington County commissioner.
The event came during the American Legion’s Mid-Winter Conference, at Denver’s Radisson Stapleton Hotel. It marked the second year the Colorado American Legion has collaborated with the Army when recruits have taken the oath of enlistment, according to Frank McCurdy, commander of the Colorado American Legion.
Families watched their sons and daughters take the oath and were joined by members of the U.S. Military Army Recruiting Battalion of Denver; Major Gen. Steven Abt, a professor of civil engineering at Colorado State University; and musician Michael Peterson.
Among the Army recruits was Lauren Landeros, 18, a University of Colorado at Boulder freshman who decided to join the Army three days after the deadly shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. She wants to become a speech therapist and help troops undergoing rehabilitation.
“It’s a great opportunity, and with the military you can follow your dreams,” Landeros said.
Annette Espinoza: 303-954-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com
