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| Photo by Emily Brainard |
| Air traffic control course students enjoy dinner at The Landing Zone Aug. 27. The LZ celebrated its one year “birthday,” and the new programs and services implemented since its 2009 opening. |
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Birthday bash
The LZ celebrates 1 year of honoring Family Covenant
By Emily Brainard,
Army Flier Staff Writer
The Landing Zone staff celebrated one year of providing the Fort Rucker community with quality food and entertainment during a “birthday bash” party Aug. 27.
The facility supports the Army Family and Community Covenants, said Vicky Tonn, The LZ bingo and promotions manager.
Staff shared how the casual restaurant and bar has changed over the past year, as the activities schedule grew exponentially to better serve their customers.
“We’ve created an environment where Soldiers and Families can come and have a good time without leaving (post),” said Stephen Peacock, The LZ business operations manager. “We have given people another option.”
“We offer things (other) military (posts) don’t offer. We’ve set the standard by having (special events) every night of the week,” Tonn said. “People can enjoy casual dining and a late (night) club (venue).”
Weekly activities established since last summer include burger and drink specials on Mondays, children’s character dining on Tuesdays, wing nights on Wednesdays, ladies night, karaoke and trivia on Thursdays, live entertainment on
Fridays and various themed events on the weekends, Tonn said. Patrons can also view Sunday and Monday night football this season on 24 flat screen TVs. Weekly live entertainment also appeals to customers.
One frequent performer is DJ Dave, from Dothan. He said he enjoys playing at The LZ because of its unique crowd and atmosphere.
“It’s (a) smoke free (facility). The way they’ve set it up caters to all ages and is inviting,” he said. “I enjoy it. It’s a great place to be and it’s fun to play here.”
Open to the public, The LZ offers the Wiregrass and military communities a chance to interact.
“It’s building camaraderie,” Tonn said. “It gives Soldiers a sense of belonging to the community, and the community feels a part of Fort Rucker.”
Server Beth Howe began working at The LZ shortly after its grand opening and said she’s seen the customer base flourish as services expand.
“It’s inexpensive and a comfortable environment,” she said.
Retiree and daily patron Steve McConnell said he enjoys the menu, which includes a variety of food not usually found locally, such as mahi-mahi, smoked meats and Cuban cuisine.
“The steak is the best, and the wings are good,” he said.
Capt. Eric Stolle and his wife, Cathy, said they attended Friday night for a friend’s going away party and enjoyed the Family-friendly atmosphere.
“It’s convenient and laid back,” Cathy said.
The LZ staff promotes responsibility by offering a free shuttle service to any on-post residence from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., Tonn said. Designated drivers receive free non-alcoholic beverages.
“We’re very concerned with the safety of our patrons,” Peacock said.
Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff continues supporting Soldiers and Families when their newest facility, a sports bar named Mother Rucker’s, opens in late November, he said. The 18-and-older facility is under construction and located near the Intercontinental Hotels Group building.
For more information on either facility, call 598-8025.
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