World's First "Soldiers' Sanctuary"

[unhappycamper]

World's First "Soldiers' Sanctuary"
September 04, 2008
PR Newswire
FAYETTEVILLE, NC -- A North Carolina county has declared itself a "Soldiers' Sanctuary," and enlisted a citizen "Army's Army" to defend.

On September 5, in a statement of support for the nation's military men and women, Cumberland County, N.C. will declare itself the "World's First Sanctuary for Soldiers and Their Families," with major roads entering the county marked by official blue and white "Sanctuary" signage. Within the Sanctuary, soldiers will be eligible for local services ranging from free child care to job placement for soldiers' spouses. A public proclamation will be made by U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes at a "groundbreaking" ceremony at the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Armory and Museum in Downtown Fayetteville.

Defending the ethos of the newly established Sanctuary is a 500+ member "Army's Army" of community volunteers, pledged to "watch over those who watch over us," i.e. assist military families. Recruited via posters, video, brochures and the internet (www.armysarmy.com), citizens in this military support group will offer one-to-one services; member businesses will also offer discounts and preferential treatments.

In addition, pro-military badges and bumper stickers have been distributed to citizens, along with a contrasting motivational poster, showing anti-military news headlines (e.g. "Blast Damages Times Square Recruiting Station") from elsewhere around the nation. Also, a social networking website, www.Fayettevillewantsyou.com, has been created to help connect soldiers considering moving into the "Sanctuary Community" with one-on-one citizen guides, able to steer them through the relocation process.

Jim Konneker, commander of the Army's Army, says, "As the ultimate company town for the military, we truly believe our soldiers deserve to have a hometown that treats them like the heroes they truly are."


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/worlds-first-soldier-sanctuary.html?col=1186032369115

[fasttense]

1. So can an AWOL Soldier be safe from being turned into the Army there?

That would be a real Soldier's Sanctuary but it requires a whole hell of lot more courage.

[rakeeb]

2. they're not real big on quitters

in Fayetteville:


http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=302592