Jr. RAPTOR children 'deploy' for a day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. --  The third annual Junior Real Air Patriots Training on Readiness event returned to Tyndall Air Force Base Saturday to offer military children the opportunity to experience the deployment process and better understand preparation for extended military duty overseas from their parent's perspectives. 

More than seventy children, ages 5 to 17, participated in the all-day event. 

"The program allows children the opportunity to experience a deployment similar to what their parents go through when they deploy," said Master Sgt. Kathleen Mygan, Jr. RAPTOR program organizer. "It's a great opportunity for children to see first-hand what a 'deployment' really means, and what their parents do to prepare before they leave for duty."

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

Master Sgt. Michael Hair, 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, led the group with a variety of commands, the singing of the Air Force song, the singing of the National Anthem and the pledge of allegiance prior to their send-off speech from Col. Craig Hall, 325th Maintenance Group commander.

"What your parents do is vital to the security of this country and it's not easy," said Colonel Hall to the children in formation. "What they do each and every day enables us to enjoy the freedom we wake up to every day."

Many children were dressed in battle dress uniforms, and some even sported camouflage face paint.

"When you get to Camp Snoopy it's not going to be easy," said Colonel Hall. "You'll be eating (Meals Ready to Eat) and there won't be pizza or PB and J - it's the rough life."

Many Airmen stepped up to volunteer for the day's events.

"The event gives the children a little bit of an inside on what their parents go through during the deployment process," said Airman 1st Class Drew Linger, 325th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist and Jr. RAPTOR volunteer. "They are excited to be here and are enthusiastic about deploying."

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.

Each child was recognized with a certificate at the 'welcome home' ceremony where parents and siblings gathered to welcome their family members back from Camp Snoopy.

"The turnout was phenomenal," said Sergeant Mygan. "Everyone that participated was great, and the children were very attentive to Sergeant Hair and the others who were in charge."

The next Jr. RAPTOR is tentatively scheduled for May or June 2009.