Jr. Raptors flying high

Published April 15, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Solomon Cook
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- More than 100 Team Tyndall children took part in the annual Jr. Raptor program April 12 traveling from the Youth Center to Hangar 5 and back.

The program allows military children to experience a simulated deployment similar to what mom and dad undergo.

"The children get a sample of the type of activities their parents experience," said Rebecca Mroczkowski, 325th Force Support Squadron community readiness specialist and Jr. Raptor coordinator. "We understand that it doesn't come close to an actual deployment, but we want the children to feel involved when their parents get deployed."

Tyndall units donated time and supplies for the event, to include a K-9 demonstration, Explosive Ordinance Disposal robot static display, a chemical gear suit up station, F-22 Raptor display, 325th Logistics Readiness Division buses and Silver Flag hummer rides, Mroczkowski said.

Air Force members volunteered their knowledge giving, the children a safe environment to experience a mock deployment.

"As parents, we can tell our children stories or show them pictures, but having to walk through the line shows that it's not like the movies and a lot more actually goes into it," said Tech Sgt. Michael Pinto 337th Air Control Squadron instructor. "Everyone involved had a great time"

Pinto's son was among those in attendance.

"My favorite part was getting a chance to sit in a plane's cockpit," said Shawn Pinto, military child. "I also had a chance to try a meal-ready-to-eat. I really enjoyed the cookies."