Jan 22, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Four Soldiers claimed Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year titles at the annual Southeast Regional Veterinary Command and U.S. Army Dental Lab competition here. Spc. David Schuler and Staff Sgt. Antonio Santini-Rivera took home VETCOM Soldier and NCO of the Year honors after four mentally, physically and emotionally grueling days last week. Dental Command winners were NCO of the Year Staff Sgt. Christopher Ciro and Soldier of the Year Sgt. Roger Martin.

Jan 22, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Despite climbing and rappelling Georgia mountains, waddling through Florida swamps in late fall and completing several 19-hour days without a break, 1st Lt. Sean Curnow excelled at Ranger training to win two top awards. Even though the D Company, 1st Battalion, 145th Aviation Regiment flight student encountered mental and physical anguish, he followed the Army Ranger creed and pressed on. Curnow garnered the Ralph Puckett and William O. Darby awards at his Dec. 11 Ranger School graduation at Fort Benning, Ga.

Jan 22, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Addressing all types of missions in tactical operations centers and flight simulators, 250 Soldiers with 101st Combat Aviation Brigade prepared for their March Afghanistan deployment at the Seneff Building last week. The unit, stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., will provide "a full array of Aviation support" for Soldiers serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, said Col. William Gayler, brigade commander.

Jan 21, 2010

Sgt. Matthew West said he didn't know what to think when a rock came flying at him while guarding his Black Hawk helicopter at a landing zone on Camp Kiwi in central Afghanistan's Bamyan province.

Jan 15, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- With victory hinging near defeat, Thundercats' tough defense stiffened and forced a last-second two-point conversion attempt to fail, sealing a 28-27 intramural football championship win over the Guardian Eagles. The play culminated an exciting fourth quarter of football, where fans watched the D Company, 1st Battalion, 145th Aviation Regiment Thundercats mount a furious rally and survive a late scare from the 1-58th Airfield Operations Battalion squad.

Jan 15, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Jocelyn Yearsley likes many sports, and on Jan. 6, the 5-year-old exercised an opportunity to become more skilled at one of them. Yearsley, daughter of WO1 Landon and Mandy Yearsley, was one of 15 to attend Toddler Bowling, a program where Rucker Lanes staff members teach children ages 2 to 5 the finer points of bowling.

Jan 15, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and medical officials stress the importance of routine pap smears and prevention practices to reduce cervical cancer occurrences. Lyster Army Health Clinic providers follow new American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendations, released in November for pap smear screenings, according to LAHC GYN Nurse Practitioner Deborah Delk.

Jan 15, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The Department of Health and Human Services has designated this week as National Influenza Vaccination Week. The staff at Lyster Army Health Clinic encourages all military beneficiaries to take this opportunity to get vaccinated against H1N1. The H1N1 Influenza has shown a significant decline in the number of cases that are being reported in the past two months, according to Secretary of Health and Human Resources Kathleen Sebelius. Between April and mid-November 2009, there were about 47 million cases of H1N1 flu with more than 200,000 hospitalizations and nearly 10,000 deaths. The vast majority of deaths occurred in children and non-elderly adults.

Jan 14, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Almost four years into the Rucker-Picerne Partnership, residents and the community are now aware of the many changes in lifestyle that come with privatization. They have gained a new perspective and understanding that what happens today paves the way to how Soldiers and Families of the future will live at Fort Rucker, Picerne officials said.

Jan 14, 2010

Recent Army-wide course transformations are helping NCO academy students prepare now for future ranks and responsibilities.

Jan 14, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Pledging to continue service to the country, 14 Soldiers recited the U.S. Armed Forces Oath of Enlistment Tuesday at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence headquarters building. Maj. Gen. James O. Barclay III, USAACE and Fort Rucker commanding general, presided over the ceremony and said he was proud to officiate it.

Jan 13, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Discussions about the Army's use of unmanned systems in the combat theater are likely to focus on bomb-detecting robots and ground vehicles able to navigate through hazardous terrain. Chances are the discussion won't immediately go to one of the fast-growing fields in the Army: unmanned aircraft systems.

Jan 13, 2010

The 12th Iraqi Army Special Operations Company (IA SOC), and Operational Detachment-Alpha (ODA) 1216, conducted Close Combat Attacks (CCAs) with OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters from 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Lightning Horse, near Hawijah, Iraq, Dec. 26.

Jan 11, 2010

Growing the Army's unmanned aerial system inventory is critical as the Army faces an ever-evolving mission and as Soldiers have learned to exploit the tactical advantages these systems provide.

Jan 7, 2010

The Army G3 and former director of the Army aviation task force said not only will the Army add a new combat aviation brigade to the warfight, the Army will increase the number of aircraft in its medevac companies.

Jan 7, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Many people see New Year's as a fresh start and resolve to implement positive practices or forgo bad habits in order to improve their lives. Luckily for the Fort Rucker community, officials here offer plans, support systems and tips for helping New Year's resolutions last long past January.

Jan 7, 2010

A look back at the Fort Rucker sports scene through pictures.

Jan 7, 2010

A look back at Fort Rucker's community news in pictures.

Jan 7, 2010

A look back at Fort Rucker news in 2009 in pictures.

Jan 7, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- On the open range of Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Facility's football field, the Cowboys could not wrangle the high-powered Beast Squad offense, falling 30-7 in an elimination intramural football game Dec. 17.

Jan 7, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- This year's Basic Allowance for Housing rates have been released, and local officials said many Fort Rucker Soldiers will see increases in their benefits. Soldiers may obtain new BAH rates at the Department of Defense Per Diem, Travel and Transportation and Allowance Committee Web site, www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/bah.html, according to Defense Military Pay Office Director Vanessa Gatlin.

Jan 7, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Design plans are nearly finalized for a new 22,600-square-foot, 620-seat chapel to be built on post, providing a facility that installation religious leaders hope will bring Soldiers and Families closer together.

Jan 7, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Within the past couple of weeks, Directorate of Public Works personnel and contractors worked on numerous postwide projects in order to better care for community members and ensure mission completion, officials said. "The mission is our focus. A lot of the new facilities support that," said Johnathon Cole, DPW Business Operations Division chief, noting maintenance projects are the garrison's effort to make Fort Rucker the best place to work and live.

Jan 6, 2010

In order to meet the Army's dwell-time goal, the service will add a new combat aviation brigade.

Dec 29, 2009

Dec 21, 2009

Dec 18, 2009

FORT RUCKER Ala. -- Arthur Chapman and Garland Middleton are part of what many call the "greatest generation" who fought for the nation in World War II. Both from Blakely, Ga., the two World War II veterans toured several Army Fleet Support worksites here this fall.

Dec 18, 2009

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Children everywhere eagerly anticipate Christmas Day. Earlier this month, fifth graders from Teresa Vaughn's Fort Rucker Elementary School class shared what they hope Santa Claus will place under their trees this year. Rebecca Killian's Fort Rucker Primary School kindergarten students wrote letters to Santa Claus also expressing their wish lists.

Dec 18, 2009

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The number of stray animals found roaming the installation is rising, post officials report. With proper pet owner responsibility, however, fewer animals escape and more of those who do will find their ways back home.

Dec 18, 2009

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Adopting or gifting pets for Christmas can provide people friends. However, long-term responsibilities and costs accompany furry friends and should not be ignored to ensure the holidays remain happy. Fort Rucker Stray Facility staff advises those contemplating holiday adoptions research what animals fit their lifestyles before bringing four-legged pals home.

Dec 18, 2009

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- While South Alabama rarely experiences wintry precipitation, many people may travel north to visit Families during the Christmas holidays. Aviation Branch Safety Office staff encourages people to winterize their vehicles and themselves before they hit the road.

Dec 18, 2009

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- In just eight days, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division Soldiers from Fort Riley, Kan., used advanced technology to simulate five years of deployments in Iraq. At the home of Army Aviation, the CAB, known as the "Demon Brigade," refined their warfighting skills in a controlled learning environment during an Aviation training exercise Dec. 9-16.

Dec 18, 2009

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Firearms enthusiasts can set their sights on a new place to shop for various guns now available for purchase at the Post Exchange. Buyers began hunting for deals Tuesday at the 590-square-foot firearms department located in the garden center near sporting goods. Brand name, tax-free weapons displayed are sold at lower prices than local or chain stores, according to PX Manager Ellen Rutledge.

Dec 18, 2009

FORT RUCKER Ala. -- It's often loud at the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Facility these days, but to some, the ear-shattering noises of jackhammers and wall demolition are sounds of progressing upgrades to provide better services. For more than a month, Whitesell-Green, Inc./Yates and Sons construction crews have ripped up flooring and removed walls in several PFF rooms as part of an 18-month renovation project. The project improves safety and the quality of services offered once finished, said Lori Ciranni, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation's sports fitness and aquatic program manager.

Dec 18, 2009

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Sirens blared, fake blood covered asphalt and Soldiers with simulated injuries sprawled in a parking lot off Third Avenue Dec. 10. This nightmarish scene imitated a real incident, providing training for emergency responders. Post emergency responders participated in a mock terrorist attack as part of a force protection exercise. Fort Rucker Antiterrorism Officer Michael Whittaker said the situation mimicked some intelligence the FBI provided installation staff.

Dec 18, 2009

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- After recent heavy rains during last weekend and the early portion of this week, some post roads and the Enterprise Gate closed due to flooding Dec. 15 and 16.

Dec 18, 2009

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- An Army Aviation hero, whose father's name adorns a main street on Fort Rucker, passed away Dec. 10 in Florida. Retired CW4 Michael J. Novosel Jr., a UH-1 Huey pilot and son of the late Medal of Honor recipient retired CW4 Michael J. Novosel Sr., succumbed to cancer less than a month after he was diagnosed with it. He was 60.

Dec 18, 2009

The song "I'll Be Home for Christmas" carried more relevancy than normal for six 597th Ordnance (Maintenance) Company Soldiers and their Families Sunday. Under the foggy night's cover, Special Repair Activity 13 Soldiers returned here from a six-month deployment in Iraq, where they repaired air traffic control equipment at military installations.

Dec 18, 2009

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- With the clink of a noncommissioned officer sword against its scabbard, Command Sgt. Maj. Dwaine E. Walters replaced Command Sgt. Major Robert E. Felder as the garrison's top senior enlisted Soldier Tuesday.

Dec 10, 2009

In 1980, The Clash sang, "I fought the law, and the law won." Monday night at the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Facility, the law finally registered a defeat. The Thundercats' offense exploded for 21 points in the second quarter in a 21-6 win over the 6th Military Police Detachment Bulldogs in intramural football's first playoff game.

Dec 10, 2009

Retired Sgts. 1st Class Jon Nelson and James Blackmon still feel like they're waking up for physical training at 5 a.m. many days. Their PT, however, no longer consists of running and push-ups. Instead, it involves lugging speakers, wires, televisions and audio equipment to events around post during all hours of the day.

Dec 10, 2009

Christmas decorations adorned the walls and tables in The Landing. Sounds of Christmas music and shouts of "Bingo!" pricked ears. Smiles lit up the room as senior citizens reminisced about older days. More than 120 senior citizens participated in the Fort Rucker Enlisted Spouses Organization's 33rd annual Dale County Senior Citizens Christmas Party Dec. 2. The event allows "seniors to get out and connect with each other and the community," said ESO member Velma Bastin.

Dec 10, 2009

December comprises several holidays that usually fill community members' calendars with many activities. But between shopping, decorating and traveling, security and safety precautions should not be ignored in the chaos, warn local officials. Community Police and Crime Prevention Supervisor Peggy Contreras said shoppers should remain on high alert when braving busy malls and retail stores. She said appealing sales and big crowds provide distractions, making buyers easy targets for thieves and attackers.

Dec 10, 2009

A human resources specialist educated six spouses of active-duty servicemembers during a seminar Wednesday on Executive Order 13473, enabling federal hiring managers to hire eligible military spouses without complex or competitive processes.

Dec 10, 2009

Christmas tree lightings, festive carols and snowball fights were just a few sights, sounds and events community members recently enjoyed at Fort Rucker and surrounding communities to ring in the holiday season.

Dec 10, 2009

With the flip of a switch, a towering evergreen tree laden with homemade decorations and lights cast a soft glow across Howze Parade Field before hundreds of community members Dec. 3. Five-year-old Emma Hatcher and U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker Commander Maj. Gen. James O. Barclay III managed the colorful display controls during the annual post Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Dec 10, 2009

More than two decades ago, Col. Richard E. Crogan II followed in Col. Alan M. Stull's footsteps as an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ROTC student. On Monday, Crogan began another journey mirroring Stull's career path when he became the Aviation Center Logistics Command's newest leader during a change of command ceremony at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.

Dec 10, 2009

Thirty-one years ago, I stepped out of the U.S. Military Academy and into an Army that was a shell of what it is today. Five years out of Vietnam, we were struggling to rebuild our institution while our operating Army sat mostly idle peering eastward from our defensive positions in Western Europe at our single adversary, the Soviet Union. The Army's slice of the 1978 defense budget of $104 billion offered meager resources to train collectively and little, if any, to develop our noncommissioned officers and officer corps professionally.

Dec 3, 2009

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Dec 3, 2009

Curt Head remembers Dec. 7, 1941, vividly. The then-20-year-old Navy petty officer second class and his shipmates had just finished breakfast around 8 a.m. and were considering attending a local football game when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.

Dec 3, 2009

Dec 3, 2009

Department of the Army Civilian Police Sgt. Doug Johnson inspects Staff Sgt. Robbie Swanson's insurance documents Nov. 25. The 6th MP Detachment DPS operations assistant NCOIC was pulled over for a Random Access Measures Program vehicle inspection at the Daleville Gate.

Dec 3, 2009

Many unit and directorate leaders educate the Fort Rucker community on winter hazards during the annual installation-wide Stand Down Winter Safety Campaign activities through Dec. 18. Topics include Aviation safety issues, cold weather injuries, winter driving and travel, proper cooking methods and food poisoning, according to Sharon Manning, Aviation Branch Safety Office safety and occupational health specialist. Leaders also focus on mission-specific training and Soldier or employee demographics.

Dec 3, 2009

In response to an issue raised during October's Army Family Action Plan conference, Army Career and Alumni Program staff encourages Soldiers to learn the Veterans Affairs' disability ratings process before they separate or retire from the service. During the conference, some Soldiers told AFAP committee members it took up to 18 months to receive their disability ratings, far too long in their opinions, ACAP Transition Services Manager Bryan Tharpe said.

Dec 3, 2009

The old phrase, "whistle while you work," can also apply to proper hygiene. Post health officials stress making cleanliness a priority during Handwashing Awareness Week, Monday through Dec. 12, and say humming a few tunes along the way can help.

Dec 2, 2009

White cards adorn the evergreen branches of a lone Christmas tree in the Main Post Chapel. Also decorated with white cards, a second tree stands in the Post Exchange. Therese Erthal, Catholic parish coordinator, has collected gifts for youngsters of all ages for the past decade through the Angel Tree program and said the new PX location was chosen as a convenience for shoppers.

Dec 2, 2009

Dec 2, 2009

Every Wednesday, the rich smell of pepperoni, cheese and Italian spices from 30 to 40 pizzas wafts through Yano Hall. As 100 Advanced Individual Training students dive into the cheesy and meaty goodness, they learn more about the Bible, allowing them to feed body and soul at the same time.

Dec 2, 2009

FORT RUCKER, Ala. - Seven years into his military career, Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Herzog felt his health was impacting his ability to be an effective noncommissioned officer. That has changed in five years. Herzog, an instructor with the Fort Rucker NCO Academy, became a certified personal trainer in October and offers his services to Soldiers for free.

Dec 2, 2009

There are many ongoing construction projects across the country as U.S. Forces support the re-establishment of infrastructure for the people of Iraq. Many times, partnership is the key to these projects reaching to completion.

Dec 2, 2009

Troop D, 2-6th Cavalry Regiment DART

Dec 2, 2009

It is in America's vital national interests to send another 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan, President Barack Obama said Tuesday night during a speech at West Point, N.Y.

Nov 30, 2009

Aca,!A"I have learned to use the word impossible with the greatest caution.Aca,!A? Werner von Braun

Nov 30, 2009

Moments after Maj. Gen. James Myles took off in the Corpus Christi Army Depot UH-1H Huey to attend a meeting at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, UH-60A crew members from Fort Rucker, Ala., launched the last A-to-A recapitalized Black Hawk from the depot, Nov. 4.

Nov 24, 2009

FORT McPHERSON, Ga. (Nov. 24, 2009) - The Army bid an official farewell here today to Maj. Gen. Jerome Johnson in recognition of his 36 years of dedicated service. His retirement ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Army's largest command, Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), where he had been the deputy chief of staff G-4 (equivalent to a large civilian corporation senior vice president for logistics) since June 2007.

Nov 24, 2009

FORT MEYER, Va. - Chap. (Lt. Col.) Barry M. White manages the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Pentagram Chaplain's Corner. Multiple chaplains assigned in the national capital region contribute to the Chaplain's Corner each week. This week, he gave those chaplains a Thanksgiving break and filled in the Chaplain's Corner himself.

Nov 18, 2009

The Civilian Education System 3rd and 4th-quarter classes are now open for registration, and those enrolling will see a major change in the application process.

Nov 18, 2009

Nov 17, 2009

Nov 16, 2009

Maj. Gen. James O. Barclay III, Commanding General, USAACE/Fort Rucker