The Airborne & Special Operations Museum Event

(from The Airborne & Special Operations Museum facebook)

As part of the Heroes Homecoming II celebration, The Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation will host a book signing with author Jeff Falkel on Friday, November 9.

Beginning at 3:30pm in the museum’s theater, Jeff Falkel will conduct a presentation and question and answer period. Immediately following he will sign copies of his book, The Making of OUR Warrior. Jeff’s son, Chris, was kill

ed in 2005 in Afghanistan.

While supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, the men of Special Forces Operational Detachment became involved in a 54 hour combat engagement with the Taliban in Afghanistan. The planning, professionalism and bravery of Staff Sergeant Chris Falkel helped save the lives of his team as well as the 16 Afghan National Army Soldiers fighting with them. For his actions that day, SSG Falkel was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. Jeff’s book takes us on a sobering look at the life of one of our nation’s warriors as told by his family, friends and teammates.

Books are available in the museum’s Gift Shop.

Fayetteville, North Caronlina

One of the most diverse cities in the US, Fayetteville, NC has many awards to its credit and activities for citizens. Fayetteville has won All-America City awards, and honors for the city song "My Hometown Fayetteville" and city show "Kaleidoscope." The sixth-largest city in North Carolina also has numerous historic sites, seven museums, three colleges and universities, multiple entertainment venues, a historic downtown and award-winning golf courses. We're right next door to Fort Bragg and Pope Army Airfield, so we are very military oriented. Immaculate parks and lively recreation centers offer you the chance to experience the outdoors or work on a jump shot. Plus, if you're looking to travel, Fayetteville Regional Airport and Interstate 95 give you many destination options.

NC Laws To Remember

• State law requires drivers to turn on headlights whenever windshield wipers are used during inclement weather.
• North Carolina requires seat belts for front-seat passengers; however, back-seat passengers over age 12 are exempt. Failure to wear required seat belts will result in a $25 fine.
• Citywide speed limits are 35 mph unless otherwise posted. School zone and residential area speed limits are 25 mph. The statewide speed limit is 55 mph unless otherwise posted on certain sections of interstate highways.
• Motor carriers operating vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds must register their vehicles with the Motor Fuels Tax Division (919-733-3409) and receive a fuel registration card and vehicle ID marker. Carriers also may register in the state where their vehicle is licensed.
• The legal age for purchasing and consuming liquor, beer, and wine in North Carolina is 21. Spirituous liquor and some fortified wines are sold in ABC stores, but beer and wine may be purchased in licensed retail, convenience, and grocery stores.
• Alcoholic beverages may be served from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Mon.-Sat.; and noon to 2 a.m. on Sundays.
• The North Carolina Safe Roads Act forbids a driver to consume an alcoholic beverage while driving or to have an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the passenger area.
• Right turn on red after making a complete stop is allowed except where specified.

Discover Fayetteville - A guide to living in Greater Fayetteville.

City Stats

• The population of the Fayetteville area, which includes Fort Bragg and Pope Field, is just over 300,000. Fayetteville, with over 203,000 residents, is Cumberland County's county seat and its largest municipality.
• Fayetteville is the 6th largest city and the 5th largest metropolitan area in North Carolina. It is among the fastest-growing areas in the state. 
• Other municipalities in Cumberland County are Eastover, Falcon, Godwin, Hope Mills, Linden, Spring Lake, Stedman and Wade. 
• About 50,000 military personnel are stationed at Fort Bragg and Pope Field. In addition to active-duty personnel, the military employs approximately 10,000 civilians.

---

Economy 

• The area's largest employers are: Fort Bragg, Cumberland County Schools, Goodyear Tire Co., Cape Fear Valley Health System, Cumberland County Government, Purolator, and Fayetteville Technical Community College.
• Two military installations are the backbone of the county's economy. Fort Bragg and Pope Field pump about $4.5 billion a year into the region's economy, making it one of the best retail markets in the country.
• Fayetteville serves as the region's hub for shops, restaurants, services, lodging, health care and entertainment.
• Fayetteville boasts a low unemployment rate of 4.5 percent with a large labor pool of trained professionals.

---

Visitor-Friendly

• Fayetteville has a Visitors Center open six days a week, including a satilite office in the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum (open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday) and Cross Creek Mall. It offers a comprehensive selection of brochures on the area and across the state.
• Cumberland County has about 60 hotels with over 5,000 rooms.
• The recently-opened Crown Coliseum which seats 13,500 is the centerpiece for entertainment, sporting events, theater productions and special events.
• The military presence enhances the community's offerings, from museums and theaters, dining and shopping, recreation and entertainment.
• Fayetteville is undergoing a downtown revitalization to recreate the heart of the city. Efforts are underway to transform downtown into a showplace for arts, culture, shopping, dining and commerce.
• More than 20 golf courses are within an hour's drive of Fayetteville.

---

Local Information

Cumberland County/Fayetteville General Information:

County seat:	Fayetteville. Fayetteville is the sixth largest city in NC and its fifth largest metropolitan area.
Origin of county name:	Named for William Augustus (1721-1765), the Duke of Cumberland
County size:	653 Square Miles
County population:	(Projection) 2000: 300,281 1990 Census: 274,566 1980 Census: 247,160 1899 Population: Under 30,000
Rank of county by pop.:	5
County median age:	28.49 Years
County racial breakdown:	55.5% white; 37.9% black, 1.6% American Indian, 2.5% other
County per capita income:	(1999 estimate) $17,376
Municipal populations:	(2000 Estimate) Falcon: 328; Fayetteville: 200,564; Godwin: 112; Hope Mills: 11,237; Linden: 127; Spring Lake: 8,098; Stedman: 664; Wade: 480.
Largest employer:	Government (includes military) followed closely by retail and wholesale trade. The Cape Fear Valley Health System is the largest private employer which employs about 5,200. Other large employers include GoodyearTire Co. which employs about 3,500, Purolator, which produces automotive filters; and Wal-Mart, which has a distribution center, a super center and two other retail merchandise stores in the county.

Fayetteville has more than 1,500 retail shops, more than 400 restaurants, and more than 600 banks, real estate agencies and insurance agencies. For more information on employment in Cumberland County, contact the Employment Security

The Climbing Place

• Location: Fayetteville, NC
• Hours: Monday - Thursday, Saturday: 10:00am - 10:00pm
  Friday: 10:00am - 11:00pm
  Sunday: 12:30pm - 06:30pm

The Climbing Place has approx. 18,000 square feet of climbing surface and stores over 40,000 climbing holds so there is never a shortage. With 60 top rope stations, a massive overhand and a huge bouldering area.

Review

We spent one night there and I thought it was fine. The pool was not open yet, but it was still a little early in the season. Beautiful bathroom and room was large, clean and secure. Personnel were very pleasant...am planning on staying again next month.‎

Paraclete XP Skyventure

• Location: Raeford, NC
• Hours:
  Sunday – Thursday
  9:00am to 7:00pm
  Friday and Saturday
  9:00am to 11:00pm

A vertical wind tunnel moves air upwards in a vertical column. It’s mostly for purposes of recreation, but also serves as a valuable training device for skydivers and the military.

SkyVenture simply put is flying; you will soar on a column of air inside a vertical wind tunnel. SkyVenture is the world leader and most experienced company when it comes to vertical wind tunnels. SkyVenture has superior technology and is unique with multiple fans located at the top of the flight chamber which produces a wall-to-wall airflow that is smooth and fun to fly in. The combination of totally controllable air flow and our professional instructors makes for the most exciting flight experience in a wind tunnel possible.

Paraclete XP SkyVenture is not a ride or a simulator, you are actually flying! Excitement, adrenaline, and adventure; SkyVenture offers it all in the experience of a lifetime. You do not need any previous experience; our training class will give you all the fundamentals of human bodyflight. All you have to do is get ready to smile because this will be one of most exciting adventures you have ever experienced!