Spouses buckle in for Blackhawk orientation flights

Photo By Staff Sgt. Bryanna Poulin | A UH-60 Black Hawk gets ready to depart June 27 at Wheeler Army Airfield during the 25th Combat Aviation Brigades Spouse Orientation Flight. The orientation enabled spouses of service members the opportunity to fly to gain a better understanding of the 25th CABs mission.  

UNITED STATES

06.30.2008

Story by Staff Sgt. Bryanna Poulin 

25th Combat Aviation Brigade

By Sgt. Bryanna Poulin
25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs

WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii – Being an Army at war, Soldiers are constantly faced with long deployments and numerous separations from their spouses.

A job in itself, Army spouses provide continuous support while tackling many of the Army's challenges alongside their Soldiers.

However, over 300 husbands and wives of service members with 25th Combat Aviation Brigade received first hand insight of the 25th CAB's overall mission during spouse orientation flights held at Wheeler Army Airfield, June 27.

"I was really excited when I found out spouses were going to be allowed to ride in a Blackhawk," said Chelsey Raszkowski, whose husband, Spc. Mark Raszkowski, is a crew chief with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th CAB.

The orientation flights are intended to provide an opportunity for aviation units to enhance a spouses' understanding of Army Aviation.

"Today was an eye-opening understanding on what the 25th CAB does," Raszkowski said. "I never realized the complexity of what my husband deals
with just to get the aircraft and passengers flying."

In addition, according to Army Regulation 95-1, the Spouse Orientation Flight Program is an effective program that demonstrates concern toward the spouses' crucial role in influencing their Soldiers' career decisions; ultimately increasing morale and retention of Army aviation personnel.

Allison Mueller, wife of Capt. Chris Mueller, commander, Co. D, 2-25th Avn. Rgt., expressed how the program is a wonderful opportunity for spouses to gain appreciation for what the 25th CAB does as well as a great way to interact and meet other family members.

Prior to the spouses' flying, they had to first undergo the same safety and operational procedures as military members.

"Upon arrival, spouses are manifested before moving onto a safety brief, static load training and issued a flight suit," noted 1st Sgt. Scott King, battalion command sergeant major, 2-25th Avn. Rgt.

While the orientation flight was mainly for the spouses, the 25th CAB also ensured there was something in store for kids; from baked goods sold by the FRG (Family Readiness Group) to climbing on a Kiowa Warrior helicopter, it was evident the children were having as much fun as the spouses.

"Children were sitting in the pilot seats pretending they were flying," noted Spc. Gabriel Noxon, crew chief with Co. A, 2-25th Avn. Rgt., who conducted the static load training. "Everyone seems to be having fun today."

"The experience today has made me appreciate the importance of my husband's mission," concluded Brenda Kent, wife of Chief Warrant Officer Two Otis Kent, UH-60 Blackhawk pilot with Co. B, 2-25 Avn. Rgt. "This is a rare opportunity for spouses...not everyone can say they flew in an Army aircraft."

• Date Taken: 06.30.2008
• Date Posted: 07.07.2008 16:48
• Story ID: 21269
• Location: US