FORT RUCKER, Ala. (March 13, 2015) -- Gold Star Family members got the opportunity to take part in something normally only flight school students get to experience -- the chance to take to the skies, through simulation, anyway.
Fort Rucker's Survivor Outreach Services hosted the Gold Star Simulator Day at Warrior Hall March 7 where 33 Gold Star family members representing 11 fallen service members got the chance to get behind the controls of different flight simulators.
A Gold Star Family member is a designation given to spouses, parents and other relatives of fallen service members.
Col. Stuart J. McRae, Fort Rucker garrison commander, was on hand to welcome the families, and thank them for the sacrifice that they and their fallen service members have made to the nation.
"I appreciate you guys and the extreme sacrifice that you guys have given -- the ultimate sacrifice," he said. "We can never repay what you guys have paid, and so I'm just thankful for all of you, and the way you continue on and everything you all do to continue to support our country.
"We are glad to see all of you here and we're glad that you all were able to make it out here. If you have never flown in a helicopter simulator, you're in for the ride of your life," he continued. "It's quite an experience and it'll give you an appreciation for what the pilots of your United States Army do for a living, as well as the complexity of what they have to do in executing their mission. You'll also get to appreciate some of the most technical aircraft in the world."
Those aircraft included the TH-67, the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, the UH-60 Black Hawk and the CH-47 Chinook.
The Partee family was among the Gold Star Families to attend the event and they said the experience is one they won't soon forget.
"I really enjoyed it," said Ann Partee, Gold Star Family member. "It was so thrilling and it was different. I never dreamed that (the controls) would be so (sensitive). When you just touch the (controls) slightly, it would just move. It was difficult to not lose control, but it was so nice."
Partee's husband, Darryl, agreed.
"It was wonderful and a very exciting experience," he said. "It was definitely hard to put pressure on the controls, but I'd love to do it again."
The Partee's lost their son, Kevin, who was stationed in Arlington, Virginia, and worked in casualty assistance. Although the loss of their son was hard, they said that SOS has helped them through the most difficult time in their lives.
"I think the outreach they provide is great, I really do," said Ann. "They've been great the whole time and they really made us feel that Kevin was special, and that's what really matters."
"Seeing that the Army still cares makes us feel really good -- it's a wonderful thing that they do (for the families) and I would like to come to more of these events in the future," added Darryl.
Rick Kohl, SOS support coordinator, said that outreach and assistance is vital to helping these families through these difficult times.
"Family members of fallen service members need time to be together with other families that have experienced loss," he said. "The ongoing connection to the Army through SOS assists families as they continue to grieve the loss of their loved one.
"Survivor Outreach Services is often the only option for the family to stay connected to the Army. Through this connection, the families develop a deeper understanding of their loved one's Army experiences, and deeper understanding assists in the grief process," Kohl continued. "Being together with other Gold Star Families allows for the family members to talk with one another, and these discussions are often deeply meaningful."
After the event at Warrior Hall, the families were invited to lunch at The Landing in The Legends room, where they were met by Maj. Gen. Michael D. Lundy, USAACE and Fort Rucker commanding general, who welcomed the families and acknowledged their life-long connection to the Army Family.
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