1. Flight School News
July 2011
Commander’s Comments:
Sabers,
After a month of Command I cannot tell you how pleased I am to be here. We have some of the
best cadre and officers in training that the Army has to offer. As we continue to grow as an
organization, we will do everything possible to make this a great learning environment for both
officers in training and Families. We continue to strive toward improvement with the Family
Readiness Group program, safety program and everything else surrounding us in our environment.
As we continue to progress through the summer months, I want to impress upon you how
important you all are to me, the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence and the
Aviation Branch. I ask you to be safe, be smart, and most of all have fun.
Jason D. James
MAJ, AV
B/1-145th Commander
Visit us at www.facebook.com/flightschoolfrg
Resource Spotlight–Financial Readiness Program
The Financial Readiness Program (FRP) provides information, education and
support to military families regarding financial management and consumer
Flight School issues, offering a wide range of services to Soldiers, Families and units. Some of
Survival Tip of the services include:
the Month Financial Planning/Counseling:
 Spending Plan development
Flight School can be lonely Credit and debt management
for spouses. Get involved Planning for the future
with other spouses. This Credit report review and repair
can be done through your
class FRG, the Fort Rucker
• Financial Education:
Community Spouse Club
(FRCSC) or through
 “Home Buying & Selling” and “Savings & Investing” Workshops
volunteering at the Thrift  Investing Workshops
Shop or other places on  Financial Peace University
Fort Rucker.  Thrift Savings Program (TSP)
How: •Consumer information and advocacy:
FRG: Class FRG Leader  Consumer Complaint Resolution/Better Business Bureau
FRCSC:
www.ftruckercsc.com For information about the services provided by the Financial Readiness
Volunteering:
Program, call (334) 255- 9631/2594 from 0730 - 1615
Karen Hayes (334) 255-3643

2. Flight School News
Pg. 2
Get R.E.A.L – Rucker Experience Army Learning
Are you confused about Army life?
Don’t understand the language your
Soldier speaks to you? Want to learn
more about Fort Rucker?
Join us at our “Get R.E.A.L” event on
28 July from 0830 – 1430 at The
Commons, Family Support facility
(Bldg. 8950, 7th Avenue).
To register or get information about
childcare and the event itself, call (334)
255-2382.
Important Numbers
Military Resources Schools
Army Community Service On-Post:
(334) 255-3817/3815 Fort Rucker Elem. (334) 598-4408
Recreation Army Family Team Building (AFTB) Fort Rucker Primary (334) 598-4473
•Army Lodging Reservations (334) 255-2382 Enterprise:
Employment Assistance Program Enterprise High (334) 347-2640
(334) 598-5216
(334) 255- 3949 Enterprise Junior (334) 347-1733
•Center Library
New Parent Support Program Coppinville Jr. High (334) 347-2215
(334) 255-3885 (334) 255- 3898 Daleville:
•Aviation Technical Library Parent Central Services (CYSS) Daleville High (334) 598-4461, Ext 202
(334) 255-2944 (334) 255-9638 Windham Elem (334) 598-4466
•Aviation Learning Center Picerne Military Housing Ozark:
(334) 255-3942 (334) 255-9230 Carroll High (334) 774-4915
•Leisure Travel
(334) 255-9517
•Outdoor Recreation (ODR)
Healthcare
(334) 255- 4305 Lyster Army Health Clinic (LAHC) (334) 255-7000 – Appts.
•Physical Fitness Center Advice Nurse (After Hours) 1-866-346-7672
(334) 255-2296 Patient Representative (334) 255-7229
•Fortenberry Colton Gym Pharmacy (334) 255- 7175
(334) 255- 3794 TRICARE (South Region) 1-800-444-5445

3. FRSA Link News
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Sounds from Flight School – Nickel Rides
The magical moment every Army Aviator experiences, is his first-ever training flight – known to all as
the “Nickel Ride.” The tradition stems from the barnstorming days when it was thought that one could
get a 5-minute flight for only a nickel. The prospective young aviator traditionally gives (pays) the
instructor pilot (IP) a nickel at the end of the flight. The nickel is minted with the birth year of the
student.. Most Army Aviator’s never forget his or her nickel ride. “The experience was just too intense –
the memory too powerful to forget.”
Over the years, military spouses have come up with creative ways to commemorate this event and
tradition: a framed TH-67 pencil drawing postcard with IP signatures on the mat, or a plaque with photo
of TH-67 and nameplate marking that special day. Others have framed a poem about learning to fly. All
mementos include a birth year nickel as a reminder of this long-standing tradition. These are just a few
ideas, but the possibilities are endless.
Upcoming Classes/Workshops/Events