Fort Rucker thanks military families with DFMWR specials

By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff WriterNovember 7, 2014

Fort Rucker thanks military families with DFMWR specials
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. (November 7, 2014) -- It's widely known the sacrifices that Soldiers make every day across the globe, but oftentimes the sacrifices made by those who are left at home can seem unnoticed.

November is Month of the Military Family, and Fort Rucker and the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation are showing their appreciation by offering family specials and events throughout the month to honor the sacrifices that military family members make, according to Janice Erdlitz, DFMWR marketing director.

"This exciting month provides (DFMWR) an opportunity to say thank you and show our appreciation to military families," said Erdlitz. "Our Soldiers and families are always our top priority! And every November, the President proclaims November as Military Family Month, and it gives us another reason to plan and provide fun, engaging specials throughout the month to say thank you to our military families for all they do."

Throughout the month, there will be specials all over post that families can take advantage of.

Family specials

The Automotive Skills Center is offering free oil changes for military families on Wednesdays. People need to bring their own oil and filter, and make sure to call for an appointment.

The Coffee Zone, located in The Landing Zone, is offering a buy one specialty drink and get the second for half price special for all family members, said Erdlitz. For more information on the Coffee Zone special, call 598-8025.

Other specials families can enjoy are at MWR Central, formally known as Leisure Travel Services, which is offering multiple specials: $10 off the purchase of two admissions to Discovery Cove (subject to availability of selected dates), and $10 off two Seaworld/Busch Gardens combination tickets. Purchases must be made during the month of November, but they can be used at other times, added the marketing director.

If family members don't want to travel off post for their recreation deals, they can visit Lake Lodging at Lake Tholocco where they can receive a $10 discount throughout the month on a weekend getaway.

For more information on discounts, call 255-2292.

Special Events

In addition to the discounts, Fort Rucker will host special events to show military family members how important they are to being Army strong.

"Camping Under the Stars," quickly becoming a post tradition, will return Nov. 14 as a tribute to military families, said Erdlitz. All military and family members are invited to attend the free, outdoor event beginning at 5 p.m. near the West Beach Gazebo at Lake Tholocco.

During the event there will be family-friendly movies shown on an outdoor movie screen, a storybook reading for the children and games for all to play.

Families are welcome to camp overnight, and those who plan to can bring their own tents, blankets and chairs. Outdoor recreation is offering free use of their three-person and six-person tents, but tents are limited, so people should call to reserve their tent early.

For more information or to reserve at tent, call 255-2997.

For those who prefer their activities indoors, Rucker Lanes offers free bowling for children 13 and younger throughout the month, said Erdlitz.

"Bring your family to Rucker Lanes ... and kids will receive three free games and shoe rental with the purchase of three adult games and a shoe rental," said the marketing director.

For more information call 255-9503.

The Silver Wings Golf Course is also getting in on the action with its Silver Wings Family Days, which will run every Sunday through November from 2 p.m. to closing time.

This event offers free nine holes of golf Nov. 9, with cart fees and green fees included, and on Nov. 16, 23 and 30, the cost for nine holes is $10 for adults and $5 for juniors with cart and green fees included.

For more information, call 598-2449.

The Landing isn't forgetting families, either, as it will once again offer up its annual Thanksgiving Feast. This buffet-style feast will feature all of the Thanksgiving favorites for families to enjoy, and a special military family rate of $39.50 for two adults and two children, ages 12 and younger. Regular pricing is $16.95 for adults, $6.95 for children ages 6-12, and $3.95 for children ages 3-5.

For more information, call 598-2426.

This month is more than just about offering specials and holding events, said Erdlitz. It's also about showing appreciation for the sacrifices that all members of the military family make.

"We recognize the commitment and the many contributions that our military families make in their daily lives," said the marketing director. "We are excited to recognize their contributions by offering the many specials and events going on throughout the month, and I hope everyone takes a moment this month to say 'thank you' to a military family.

"Our families here at Fort Rucker are rock stars, in my book," she continued. "They stepped up to serve our country and many have sacrificed more than we can even imagine. When we say patriotism, courage and resilience, we are talking about military families."

Related Links:

USAACE and Fort Rucker on Twitter

USAACE and Fort Rucker on Facebook

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