By Brenna Angel
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-970946.mp3
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky is home to Fort Knox and Fort Campbell, but military families that don't live close to those installations may not be getting all the support they need.
Lexington Vice Mayor Linda Gorton knows what it's like to have a child deployed overseas. Her son served in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Army Reserves.
"It translates into a lot of stress. And I personally think when the community can rally around and support those folks, it makes for a healthier community."
Gorton's experience as a military mom inspired her to help launch the Bluegrass Armed Forces Community Covenant last year. It's a partnership with the 17 central Kentucky counties that make up the Bluegrass Area Development District.
"There have been covenants signed all over the country and usually that's the end. But we decided we wanted action," says Gorton.
Now the group is recruiting businesses and organizations who want to offer services to the families of deployed service members. The covenant plans to launch a website in coming months and produce stickers that businesses can display in their storefront.
"You know a sticker isn't much in tangible terms, but it says a huge message for the military community."
You can find out more information about how to partner with the covenant by contacting Vice Mayor Gorton at 859-258-3828 or lgorton@lexingtonky.gov.
The Bluegrass Area Development District includes: Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, and Woodford counties.