FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Task Force Tigershark Family Members spent an afternoon earlier this month with their Soldiers at a helicopter gunnery range in a Fort Drum training area to see firsthand what they do.
The event was planned to coincide with 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division's aerial gunnery training, which was conducted over several days.
"Family Members are a critical part of the team effort in Task Force Tigershark, and from the very beginning, our commander and command sergeant major have integrated them into our training plan," said Maj. Joseph McLaine, TF Tigershark operations officer. "With a focus on the team, our Soldiers and Families all know that the Tigersharks will be ready to answer the call."
There were static displays that children were invited to climb on and sit in. Pilots were on hand to answer any questions about the AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Black Hawk and OH-58 Kiowa helicopters. Drivers for several different vehicles also were on hand.
Families were able to enjoy a barbeque-style picnic where they could sit and spend time with their Soldiers after several days apart from one another.
There was even a live-fire demonstration on the range in which a Black Hawk, a Kiowa and an Apache fired live rounds and rockets down range.
"I loved getting to see what it was like in the field, and it was a great way to see my husband during this time," said Marcia Jenkins.
Soldiers and Family Members young and old appreciated the opportunity to spend time with their Soldiers during aerial gunnery exercises.
"It was great to get to see my dad fly around," said Tori Wojasinski.
(Stephenson serves with 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, Task Force Tigershark.)
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