Fort Rucker Soldiers share Thanksgiving meal, fellowship

By Russell Sellers, Army Flier StaffDecember 2, 2010

Fort Rucker Soldiers share Thanksgiving meal, fellowship
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Fort Rucker Soldiers share Thanksgiving meal, fellowship
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Fort Rucker Soldiers share Thanksgiving meal, fellowship
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Commanders from various units on post served Soldiers a Thanksgiving meal at the dining facilities Nov. 24.

The annual gathering allowed Soldiers still going through classes at the noncommissioned officer academy, advanced individual training and Warrant Officer Career College to have a Thanksgiving celebration without leaving post.

Some Soldiers said they were happy to see their commanders taking an active role in the celebration.

"It's nice that they commit their time and show support for us," said Staff Sgt. Erica Williams, NCO Academy student. "They've done a great job with this, as they do every year."

Members of the units' command groups said serving food also gave them other opportunities they might not have otherwise.

"It gives us a chance to really talk to the Soldiers and get to know them," said 1st Sgt. Jef Fisher, C Company, 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment. "It's nice to be able to wish them happy holidays face-to-face."

Col. Timothy Edens, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker deputy commanding general, also attended the event and took the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Soldiers.

"Thanksgiving is a time of giving thanks and is usually a time with Family, but some Soldiers don't have that opportunity," he said. "This is a good way to show them that we're all a Family here and show them how important they are."