Fort Bragg to Announce Family of the Year at Tree Lighting

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Fort Bragg's annual Family of the Year award ceremony, Army Family Covenant signing and holiday tree and menorah lighting will take place Dec. 6 at the Main Post Parade Field, from 4 to 6 p.m. 

"The Army Family Covenant highlights the Army's ongoing commitment to providing our Soldiers and their families a quality of life commensurate with their quality of service," said Erica Walker,directorate, Family, Morale and Welfare operations officer.

"It's an awesome way for our leaders and our community to create synergy between the military and Families by delivering services and programs where they are needed," said Walker.

Lt. Gen. Daniel Allyn, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg commanding general and Col. Jeffrey Sanborn, Fort Bragg garrison commander, will preside and sign the Army Family Covenant.

Cathy Mansfield, Fort Bragg Volunteer Services coordinator said Families are nominated for Family of the Year by the units based on the level of involvement of the Family, their cohesiveness as a Family, and their contributions to the unit as well as the community.

"Military Families demonstrate resilience on a daily basis just by being military Families, but the Family of the Year is selected based on their ability to take it to the next level; one that is an example for other Families to follow," said Mansfield.

The holiday celebration will begin with the Family of the year ceremony at the Fort Bragg Main Post Chapel at 4 p.m., the signing of the Army Family Covenant, and the lighting of the Christmas tree.  Making a special appearance around 6 p.m. will be Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Fort Bragg's Bowley Elementary School Bobcat singers will provide holiday entertainment.