TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Operation Jr. RAPTOR returned to Tyndall Friday for the program's second year to give military children the opportunity to experience the deployment process.

More than 120 children, ages 6 to 14 participated in today's events.

"The program allows children the opportunity to experience a deployment similar to what their parents go through when they deploy," said Master Sgt. Ken Tate, 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."

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 received an ID card and dog tags, a small satchel simulating a mobility bag and then had their face painted in camouflage.

"It's amazing to see the children's reactions and their response to the event," said Ms. Jan Scheffield, a community readiness consultant attending the event. "I'm going through the experience with them today and learning about the process as well."

Children boarded buses at the Youth Center and received a send -off message from Brig. Gen. Tod Wolters, 325th Fighter Wing commander.

Children then traveled across the base and arrived at an aircraft hangar where they enjoyed lunch, toured a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, interacted with F-15 Eagle and F-22 Raptor pilots, tried on chemical warfare gear, viewed Explosive Ordnance Disposal demonstrations and visited with "Sparky" the fire dog near a Tyndall fire truck.

"I like to see what people do to get ready to leave," said Danika Plotkin, daughter of a military member and Jr. RAPTOR participant. "I want to be in the Air Force when I grow up, so they're telling me about what it's going to be like."

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."

"The intent of the program is to educate military children about the deployment process, and help them understand the sacrifices made by their parents and family members," said Ms. Jodie Schwartz, Airman and Family Readiness consultant. "The children here will leave with a better understanding of what the Air Force is all about, and what their parents do when they leave for deployments."
With the increase in participation this year, the program impacted a significant portion of military children on Tyndall, many of whom have parents currently deployed or slated for duty in the near future.

"The event was very successful this year," said Sergeant Tate. "And with a greater number of military members deploying from Tyndall, this is a very important program for their children - children who experience time separated from a parent while they deploy to fight in the Global War on Terror."