FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Being new to the Army can be challenging for some, but Army Community Service is hoping to make the transition easier for spouses and Family members.
Rucker Experience, Army Learning is a new addition to Army Family Team Building organized by Shellie Kelly, ACS AFTB program manager, and Christin James, AFTB volunteer program manager.
R.E.A.L.’s first meeting takes place July 28 at The Commons, Bldg. 8950 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will cover topics like acronyms, Army customs and courtesies, military rank and community resources, James said.
“I think just about anybody could benefit from taking this class,” she said. “Our goal is to really educate people about Fort Rucker and what it has to offer. A lot of people come here and this is their first duty station and they don’t know what to do, so this could better prepare them for their time here and what to do when they move on to their next destination.”
James added that this class won’t be like a typical “class” that someone might sign up for.
“We want people to know this won’t be ‘death by Power Point,’” she said. “We’re going to make it more of a conversation so it’s going to be very interactive.”
Kelly added that attendees could also wind up making several new friends through the class and those might just be friends for life.
“This is a small group format, we’re keeping it to about 12 in a class,” she said. “That helps it feel more like a conversation than a class. We’ve also found that a lot of women want to take a yoga class at one of the physical fitness facilities, but don’t want to walk in alone. This class could help them make a new friend that would go with them.”
While the class is aimed at younger spouses, it can also be beneficial for spouses with more experience, too, Kelly continued.
“After 26 years in the military as a spouse, it’s the relationships and friendships that got me through the toughest times,” she said. “The more experienced spouses can also impart a lot of wisdom and knowledge onto those new to Army Aviation and could even make some new friends in the process. So the class is good for more people than just new spouses.”
Kelly said the class is planned to be a monthly event with the first on July 28 and the next scheduled for August 18.
Advanced registration for the class is required and can be done by calling 255-2382.
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