ND Communities and Military Covenant: state support is synergy simplified Published April 15, 2009 By 2nd Lt. Kidron B. Vestal Deputy Chief, Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven plans to offer his signature to a covenant of support between the 357 incorporated cities of North Dakota and the military members therein Apr 24. The "ND Communities and Military Covenant," is a formal acknowledgement of sustaining efforts to improve the quality of life for the state's servicemembers and their families. By putting their signatures to this document, officials at the local and state level are pledging an express commitment to the well-being of its armed forces, not direct partisanship or support for U.S. military engagements. Representatives of all North Dakota branches of service, and the Civil Air Patrol, have expressed patronage of this document, and have been involved in its planning process. Following the endorsement of Maj. Gen. David A. Sprynczynatyk, adjutant general for the state of North Dakota, the local communities have their opportunity to pen their support as well. "Local media involvement is integral to the success, excellence, and life of this initiative," said Connie Sprynczynatyk, director of the North Dakota National League of Cities. Each of the incorporated cities of North Dakota may contact their local chamber of commerce for information on how to sign their city's namesake to the covenant.