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Operation JR RAPTOR returns to Tyndall

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  For the fifth year in a row, the Airman and Family Readiness Center hosted the annual Operation JR RAPTOR program April 9.

More than 80 military dependents, from ages six to 16 participated and more than 50 Team Tyndall volunteers made the event a success.

"Operation JR RAPTOR is an annual event that gives military children a chance to learn what their mom or dad might encounter while preparing for and going on a deployment," said Master Sgt. Kathleen Mygan, 325th Force Support Squadron family readiness manager. "The program was intended to simulate a deployment process from beginning to end. Participants were given a set of orders and items were checked off as they completed each step of the deployment processing line."

Volunteers were placed in a variety of roles, including troop leaders. Senior Airman Ariel Brown, 325th Air Control Squadron pilot simulator technician, led a group of seven-and eight-year olds.

"I have never deployed before, so it was not only a learning experience for the kids, but for me as well," said Airman Brown. "The program is great and it teaches the kids what their parents experience and helps put their minds at ease. I would like to help again next year."

The program lasted approximately seven hours and taught the kids tons of valuable information on the deployment process.

Once the children completed their out-processing checklist, they formed up in flights to learn drills and proper protocol. After the commander's send-off speech, performed by Colonel Orlando Sanchez, 325th Fighter Wing vice commander, they began their deployment adventure.

First stop was experiencing a Security Forces K-9 demonstration. Afterwards, JR RAPTORs were loaded up and taken to Hanger 3 on the flight line for various demonstrations and other hands-on activities, such as the Explosive Ordinance Disposal and a Meals, Ready to Eat demonstrations.

Finally, participants arrived back for a "Welcome Home" celebration with their family and friends.

"It was a great success," said Sergeant Mygan. "Everyone had a great time, including the volunteers."