Event to honor military

The Quantico/Belvoir Regional Business Alliance will honor America’s Armed Forces and our neighbors from Fort Belvoir at a community event to be held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas on Nov. 7, from 12 to 4 p.m.
The 2nd Annual Community Covenant Event conducted by the Alliance follows a successful first event, the Army Community Covenant, held last year at the NOVA Woodbridge Campus.  This year’s event will follow the Manassas Veterans Day Parade, which is honoring, in particular, our World War II veterans.
The Alliance will kick off the celebration with a second annual signing of a formal Community Covenant document, which commemorates the relationship between the region and our military partners.  The Covenant signing will follow right after the Manassas Veterans Day Parade, organized by the American Legion, which begins at 11 a.m..  Organizers of both events are excited about the opportunity to jointly honor our active and retired service men and women.
Army installations are encouraged to sign “Community Covenants” with their host communities pledging their commitment to partnership.  In 2008, the Alliance invited Fort Belvoir leaders and personnel to bring their families to a community celebration of our military, which culminated with the formal signing of the first Northern Virginia Community Covenant.
The Army Community Covenant is a formal commitment of support by the state and local community to Soldiers and families of the Army-Active, Guard and Reserve.  It is designed to develop and foster effective state and community partnerships with the Army.  The Covenant is focused on improving the quality of life for Soldiers and their families, both at their current duty stations and as they transfer from state to state.  This second annual Alliance event builds upon last year’s Army Community Covenant and expands the event to all of our Armed Forces.
The Alliance has arranged a day of fun, food, entertainment, activities and networking.  The day is intended to be a community celebration, and will feature local food vendors, games and activities for children, good food and beverage for the adults, military vehicles, demonstrations, and informational booths and displays.  There will also be information available on jobs and business opportunities.
The Alliance is a not-for-profit business organization whose purpose is to position the region as a welcoming and supportive community to the military and their business partners.  The primary mission is to facilitate positive outcomes for the military, for relocating civilian employees, for local businesses and for the regional workforce.  A major goal is to form productive partnerships with key groups and individuals in order to pursue mutual interests.
The Alliance is also planning a series of events this Fall that will help businesses and workers take advantage of BRAC opportunities and that will help welcome the Department of Defense employees and families who are relocating to Ft. Belvoir and Quantico MCB. A calendar of Alliance evens and more information can be found at http://www.qbrbusinessalliance.com.