The Missouri National Guard will cement its association with the City of Springfield on Thursday (12-3).

Missouri Guard Brigadier General Stephen Danner joins Major General Gregg Martin in signing an Army Community Covenant with Springfield officials.

The covenant serves as a pledge of support for Soldiers and their Families, whether at their current duty stations, following interstate transfers or serving overseas. The covenant is designed to improve the quality of life for Soldiers, many of who have served multiple deployments over the last eight years.

Martin, Fort Leonard Wood's commanding general, and Danner, the Missouri Guard's adjutant general, will sign the covenant during the city of Springfield's monthly "Good Morning Springfield" breakfast.  Mayor Jim O'Neal, Greene County Presiding Commissioner Dave Coonrod and Andy Lear, board chairman of the chamber of commerce, will represent the city. Roger Layman will represent the Army Reserve.

The singing of a pledge with Springfield marks an important step in the Guard partnership Danner envisions with southwest Missouri. Danner has signed a letter of intent to lease the now-empty 'old' Springfield air terminal, where plans might include using the site for stationing and or training for a variety of U.S. Air Force airframes. Springfield could also become a training area for B-2 bombers.

"We remain committed to ensuring the continued support and development of a robust current and future National Guard force structure presence in Springfield specifically, and in the region, generally," said Danner. "We appreciate everything the Springfield/Branson area has to offer Missouri National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, Families and the civilian work force - safe, secure communities; great schools, colleges and educational opportunities; affordable living; dedicated, patriotic Americans, and we are excited about our future there."

The event begins at 7 a.m. with a buffet, and the program begins at 7:40.

Chamber president Jim Anderson will host the ceremony, and at its close at 8:30, both Martin and Danner will take questions from the media.