Fort Sill military spouses become Soldiers for a day

FORT SILL, Okla. (Oct. 20, 2016) -- Military spouses, spent one day experiencing what their Soldiers went through in basic combat training as they participated in a Soldier for a Day activity.

The event was part of the Fort Sill Patriot Spouses' Club's (PSC) monthly luncheon, Oct. 11, and conducted near the Treadwell Tower complex here.

The PSC partnered with the 434th Field Artillery Brigade to take spouses through (dummy) hand grenade training, physical training, firing machineguns (blanks), fighting with pugil sticks, performing first aid, rappelling off Treadwell Tower and dining on meals-ready-to-eat (MRE).

Noelani Roman, was one of about 70 spouses who participated in the activities. She said she developed a greater appreciation for what her husband, Spc. José Roman, does after being a Soldier for a day.

"He used to explain to me what he does, but now after being out here I get the full effect," she said.

Roman said she went through all the stations and ate MREs. "Oh, my goodness, I didn't even know that they could heat up."

Wearing BDU, ACU or OCP pants, specially printed T-shirts, dog tags and camo face paint, the spouses spent about 30 minutes at each station.

At the pugil sticks station, drill sergeants (staff sergeants) Vin Schroeder and Matthew Gallardo, C Battery, 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery, gave instructions. "Keep your feet moving, you can do anything except swing it like a bat," Gallardo said.

At the 240 and 249 machine gun station Drill Sgt. (Staff Sgt.) Arleen Benavidez, D/1-40th FA, told them to keep the stock tucked to their shoulder and to keep a good grip.

"They actually did pretty good," Benavidez said. "There was only one or two that were a little shaky."

Army wife Michelle Urciuoli said she participated in Soldier for a Day because she wanted to hang out with Army spouses, and experience why Soldiers enjoy being in the Army.

She said rappelling off 40-foot Treadwell Tower was her favorite event. "They (434th FA Soldiers) make you feel really safe, it's high up, it's exciting."

What did you learn today that you weren't aware of?

"The casing of the bullets can burn you," Urciuoli said, showing red marks on her forearm. "They are blanks, but they still are hot."

Army wife Jonnathdy Oliver said the training was fun, but tiring. Her favorite event was the machine gun "because it's pretty cool."

She also faced her fears rappelling off 40-foot Treadwell Tower. "I felt sick up there," Oliver said.

Now, do you feel confident?

"Yes."

Do you feel empowered?

"Yes."

Would you do it again?

"No."

Oh.

Three men participated in the 6.5-hour Soldier for a Day, said Sarah Kline, PSC first vice-president.

Retired 1st Sgt. José Armendariz came out with his wife, former Soldier Bonnie Armendariz, who is thinking about joining the PSC. He said it "felt great" to be back in uniform.

"I still fit in my ACUs," said José, who works as a contractor at Goodyear in Lawton. "The camaraderie is still the same. I loved that, I miss that."

Bonnie said the day was also an opportunity to spend time with her husband.

"It was fun, it was awesome and everybody was super nice," she said.

PSC President Miche Laughlin said the Soldier for a Day luncheon was to have fun, build camaraderie and esprit de corps, and to enjoy Fort Sill. She thanked the 434th FA Brigade, which provided the hardware, drill sergeants and cadre, and allowed use of its facilities.

"They have been wonderful, there was great co-operation," Laughlin said. "They provided everything we asked and more."