Operation Jr. Raptor enables military kids to 'deploy'

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Andrea Valencia
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Operation Jr. Raptor returned to Tyndall to give military children the opportunity to experience the deployment process March 9.

More than 85 children, ages 6 to 18, participated in the day's events.

"Sometimes kids don't understand what their parents go through when they're getting ready to deploy," said Rebecca Mroczkowski, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness specialist. "This allows them to see first hand what their parents do to prepare. The kids love it; it's a good experience for them."

Children experienced a deployment out-processing line where they received ID cards, personalized dog tags and other "equipment" needed for their afternoon spent deployed.

Military members volunteered to man the deployment line, which simulated an out-processing system much like the one used by Tyndall's Readiness Flight in preparation for real-world deployments.

During out processing, each child also recieved a small satchel simulating a mobility bag and then had their face painted in camouflage.

"This event gives [the kids] insight and enables them to cope better. They get to learn and understand what their parents go through," said Senior Master Sgt. Theresa Moran, Airman and Family Readiness superintendent. "The kids are so excited and they just enjoy the day. All of these events help children deal with the stresses of a parent deploying."

Children boarded buses at the Youth Center after receiving a send-off message from Col. David E. Graff, 325th Fighter Wing commander.

Children then traveled across the base and arrived at Silver Flag where they enjoyed lunch, toured a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Armored vehicle, viewed Explosive Ordnance Disposal demonstrations, tasted Meals Ready to Eat, took turns manning a fire hose, learned how the site made clean drinking water and watched a fire pit demonstration.

Once the afternoon of activities ended, children re-boarded the buses and returned to the Youth Center where their parents were waiting to welcome them "home."

Common Access Card holders can view more pictures of the event by clicking here.