Survivor outreach services hosts Gold Star Families at simulators

By Cheareice Thomas, Fort Rucker Survivor Outreach Services CoordinatorFebruary 19, 2020

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Fort Rucker Survivor Outreach Services program hosted about 40 Gold Star Family Members on a tour during its Simulator Day Feb. 17.

The Gold Star Family Members, representing 13 of the nation's fallen heroes, were welcomed by the General Dynamics Information Technology Flight School staff and allowed to take to the virtual skies to learn a little about what Soldiers go through when training to become pilots

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Family members were able to go into the simulators and experience a taste of Army Aviation as they spent the day in virtual flight with Flight School XXI instructor pilots to the destinations of their choice.

Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general, welcomed the families and expressed his gratitude for the sacrifices that their loved ones made.

Fort Rucker leaders and their spouses said they were honored to spend the afternoon with Gold Star Family Members, and let them know that they will forever be a part of the Army family and that their Soldiers' sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Francis presented each family member with lapel pin wings and a card commemorating their experience at the simulators.

Army Community Service and SOS staff also thanked each Gold Star Family for allowing them the privilege to honor and support them.