FORT RUCKER, Ala. (November 17, 2011) -- Many members of the Fort Rucker community will take a day to give thanks and spend time together Nov. 24 and many events around the installation will honor the Thanksgiving holiday throughout the week.

Wednesday, the Warrant Office Career College Consolidated Dining Facility will hold a special Thanksgiving dinner from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The dinner is open to Soldiers, retirees, Family members and guests. The menu includes holiday standards like turkey, ham, pie and eggnog, along with a variety of other options for any palate. The cost of the dinner is $7, with a discount of $5.95 offered to Families of those ranked E4 and below. For dining schedules and additional information, call 255-3017.

The Landing will also host a Thanksgiving feast Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. While the old-fashioned holiday meal will be open to the public, there will be a special rate for Soldiers, children and military Families, said Janice Erdlitz, Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation marketing.

"In honor of Month of the Military Family, The Landing will offer a special military rate of $39.95 for two adults and two children under 12 years old. Other prices are $17.95 for adults, $7.95 for children ages 6-12, $3.95 for ages 3-5 and ages 2 and under will eat free," she said.

For more information on the Thanksgiving feast or to make reservations, call The Landing at 598-2426.

Families who want to enjoy a home-cooked meal can also visit the commissary to stock up before the Thanksgiving holiday. Terry Ford, the commissary's acting store director, said that customers should not fear shortages on holiday essentials.

"We ran out of things last Thanksgiving, but this year we have an abundance of turkeys and hams along with a great assortment of baked goods. I can assure you that we won't run out this time," he said.

In between shopping, cooking and preparing for the holiday, people can also stop by Anthony's Pizza in the exchange food court for discounted pizzas and last-minute shopping. Susie Antonello, AAFES visual marketing manager, said that the pizzas were offered so that Families could have a quick meal while preparing their own holiday treats.

In addition to many special meals and events, several on post facilities will change to special holiday hours, with Army and Air Force Exchange Service facilities closed all day Nov. 24 and then several opening early for Black Friday sales on Nov. 25.

Among the specials offered by the post exchange Nov. 25 are discounts on fuel and gifts, along with low or no interest plans on purchases made with Military Star cards. The AAFES Mini Mall and convenience stores will also offer free coffee for Black Friday shoppers waking up early from midnight to noon, Antonello said.

She encouraged community members to check out the many sales, discounts and promotions held at the exchange throughout the holiday season.

She added that shopping on post is not only convenient, but directly benefits DFMWR and the Army Family.

"The money spent at our facilities comes right back to the community. Very few businesses can boast that," she said.

For more information on AAFES holiday events, call 503-9044.