Tyndall children experience deployment

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The fourth annual Operation Junior Real Air Patriots Training on Readiness event returned to Tyndall June 12 to offer military children the opportunity to experience the deployment process and better understand preparation for extended military duty overseas from their parents' perspectives.

More than 100 children, ranging from ages five to 16, participated in the day's events.

"It is inspirational knowing these children could be future leaders in our future military organizations," said Col. David Zeh, 325th Mission Support Group commander. "This is an excellent opportunity for all of the kids to see what their parents go through before they deploy."

The day began with the children experiencing deployment out-processing line where they received identification cards, personalized dog tags and other necessary equipment needed for their afternoon 'deployment'

Master Sgt. Michael Hair, 325th Force Support Squadron first sergeant, led the group with a variety of commands, a physical training session, customs and courtesies training and the Pledge of Allegiance prior to their send-off speech from Colonel Zeh.

"I am very proud of you all for volunteering to go to 'war'," said Colonel Zeh to the children. "I am also proud you all could join us to see what your parents go through."

Many children were dressed in battle dress or airman battle uniforms or sported camouflage face paint. They also carried bags of deployment-necessary items.

Master Sgt. Kat Mygan, 325 FSS Family Readiness Manager, headed the event, along with the help of sponsors and many volunteers.

"It's great to see the kids show a lot of patriotism," said Janet Psikogios, Operation Military Kids regional coordinator and volunteer for Jr. RAPTOR. "It is also a great opportunity for them to understand what a deployment is."

Following their send-off, the children witnessed a K-9 demonstration performed by the 325th Security Forces Squadron and went through a series of stations, including an F-22 Raptor display, an F-15 Eagle display, a fire truck demonstration and an explosive ordnance disposal and a chemical gear demonstration. Meals Ready to Eat were provided to the children for lunch.

The children were welcomed back from their deployment by friends and family with open arms at the end of their long day.