The U.S. Army Silicon Valley-Style

The Army wants you, Silicon Valley, for your intellect, quick thinking and problem solving skills. And on Tuesday,  the 236th birthday of the U.S. Army, the City of Cupertino signed an Army Community Covenant at Quinlan Center to forge a reciprocal relationship with the oldest military branch in the country.

"Today is not the beginning of our efforts to work together or support of our soldiers. Today's ceremony is simply a symbolic and visual representation of the hard work which has occurred behind the scenes," says Maj. General Eldon P. Regua. "It is a public affirmation of the commitment that we share to continue to work together in partnership to build our future together."

Adding their signatures, and commitment to the covenant at the birthday celebration were some of the region's dignitaries including Cupertino Mayor Gilbert Wong, Cupertino's city council members, Kris Wang, Orrin Mahoney, Barry Chang, and Mark Santoro; as well as former Cupertino mayor Sandy James, former Campbell mayor and city councilman Dan Furtado, and current Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves.

Furtado , a veteran whose military service spans about 40 years--two years active duty and 38 years in the Army Reserve--now is a U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador. His work as an ambassador includes such duties as attending the ceremony and providing support to soldiers and their families, he says.

The Army which doesn't have a strong presence in the region wants to establish itself as part of the community, not just in Cupertino, but across Silicon Valley for a few reasons, says Major Kathleen Ferren. And they are looking for community members to serve on a Citizens Advisory Council to help them with their mission.

Part of the advisory council's role will be to help create that presence, and provide support both for families who have a loved one in the armed services, and for returning soldiers who are trying to make their way back into civilian life.

"We want to be good citizens," Ferren says.

Possibly the main reason, though, is recruiting.

The military is challenged with finding candidates for a volunteer army who can pass muster physically, emotionally and intellectually, and there is a high percentage of people who are ineligible due to such issues as obesity or inability to pass tests, according to Ferren.

"This region has extremely high quality candidates," she says.

People in this area have good problem solving skills, are quick thinking, and are intelligent; qualities the Army wants, Ferren says.

"There is some incredible potential here in the Silicon Valley. We are all struggling with the economy...the debt of our country and fighting two wars simultaneously. However, together we are all growing, we are striving for excellence," Regua says.

The Citizens Advisory Council in Silicon Valley is hoped to establish a symbiotic relationship, and provide greater opportunities for recruitment.

Until the recent repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Act, Stanford University would not allow the Army on campus. The Army's messaging and branding has changed, too, Ferren says. It's a new look, and new breed.

"Today's Army is not the Army of your father, or your grandfather," Regua says. "It is a world-class army...America's armies, soldiers and families, and army civilians epitomizes what is best about America--their willingness to sacrifice, to build a better future for others and to preserve our way of life exemplifies the Army values."