FORT KNOX, Ky. (Apr. 12, 2013) Some spouses may work with or around Soldiers. Some may have an idea of the daily stressors and rigors involved with being a Soldier. But until the time came to rappel down a 50-foot wall, many of the spouses participating in Fort Knox's No Ordinary Spouses Day had no clue of what it felt like to be in their Soldier's boots.
Representing the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) in the event was Marinel Burdine and Karen Wheeler. During the event these spouses participated in the Engagement Skills Trainer, Obstacle Course and Rappel Tower.
Those participating admitted that they didn't exactly know what to expect at first, but was able to complete the events as scheduled.
"This event was the first of this kind for me," said Marinel Burdine, the wife of the 3d ESC's Staff Sgt. Gary Burdine. "It was fun to be able to experience a little of what my husband went through during training."
Burdine said that even though she considered the rappel tower to be her favorite event for the day, she really enjoyed the Engagement Skills Trainer, which tested her marksmanship skills.
"I think I would have enjoyed this (EST) more if I had really known what I was doing," said Burdine jokingly. "Maybe I'd do better if I went through again."
For the Soldiers in attendance, watching their spouses complete the obstacles and events was a rewarding experience. According to Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Wheeler, the experience was especially rewarding.
"I was so proud of Karen. And to have our Son here cheering her on, was special," said Wheeler. "To see her go through the obstacles we trained on during basic training was really amazing. I think she now has a better appreciation of what we do."
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