By Judy Konitzer: We are so fortunate to have Jodie Francis and Patty Schloesser at the helm of our Aviation community, as they are sincere and genuine supporters of our Aviation Soldiers and their families. Like us, they are disappointed at not being able to gather in Nashville, but they have graciously shared their thoughts and prayers for us… Judy
From the Desk of the Aviation Branch 1st Lady, Jodie Francis
Greetings from Ft. Rucker! We are all certainly disappointed that the 2021 Summit will not happen this year but thank the AAAA staff for attempting everything humanly possible to try to make it happen. Hopefully, we are seeing the light at the end of the COVID tunnel, and we look forward to seeing all of you next year!
We keep all who have had a friend or family member affected by COVID 19 in our thoughts and prayers, and hope for the continued safety of all. This pandemic has altered life significantly, and in unique ways for our military families. We have changed travel and PCS timelines, college, and grade school methods, and have had long periods of time between family visits to name a few.
We have all had ups and downs during this last year, but I continue to be amazed at the resiliency of our military families! It has certainly been difficult, but in many ways our families were prepared for these challenges by the nature of military life!
Moving plans changed? Been there!
Vacation plans altered? Yup!
Homeschooled the kids? Sure have!
Missed major family events? Too many times to count!
And many, many others!
This year has affected the general population in so many ways that our military families deal with on a regular basis. One thing that the pandemic has not changed is how special our military families are. How the challenges of our lifestyle bind us together. How our families will drop what they are doing to help a stranger because we have all been there. How our families will open their homes to a friend they have not seen in years because our military family is always there, no matter how far the distance or the length of time between visits. How our families will rally around those who are suffering or are in need, even when they themselves might be struggling. How our kids have lifelong friends around the world, so zooming with friends is not such an unusual way to communicate. How we adapt constantly to the changes thrown our way and try to turn challenges into adventures.
It has been one heck of a year, but I remain thankful for all of you, and for the strength of our Army family! We look forward to the day we can see you face to face, but until then, be safe, be well, and thank you for what you do every day!
From the Desk of AAAA’s 1st Lady, Patty Schloesser
Dear Aviation Spouses.
I know all of us are ready to get out and live a normal life. One of the events many of us look forward to is joining our Aviation community in Nashville! As many events of 2020 and now 2021 are cancelled due to Covid-19, so is this year’s event.
No matter how old we are or where we live, all of us have had to make lifestyle changes in the past year. Weddings didn’t happen, vacations weren’t taken, children weren’t able to go to school, and families may have not been able to share up-close time together. Our military family members may have had to cancel moves and career changes, or the beginning of college. Who knew that people could really work from home all the time, or that book clubs and families could Zoom? We have all had to adjust!
All of us probably know someone that had or has had Covid. I just hope all of you have stayed as healthy as possible. Many of us have had to cope with far greater difficulties then what I just mentioned. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have experienced loss this past year. I wonder how you have coped and are coping. What activities have you altered or learned?
I am fortunate to live in a small mountain town surrounded by national parks and forests. For me, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing have filled my outdoor days. Also, in a moment of, “I don’t know what I am going to do with myself,” Jeff and I bought a puppy. Yes, it is a thing! I have spent hundreds of hours training this little guy and now have a perfect dog—or not! He is a cutie, and he does occupy hundreds of hours! Perhaps he did save my sanity and continues to do so!
Here’s to staying safe and getting back to normal or the new normal! Hope to see you next year!
Judy Konitzer is the family forum editor for ARMY AVIATION; questions and suggestions can be directed to her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..”>This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
