Event helps children understand deployments

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Carranza
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Approximately 290 children, ages 5 to 12, participated in Kids Understanding Deployment Operations April 12 at Travis.

KUDOS highlighted what service members experience while processing for deployment and brought the experience to children through various stations. The event began at P-1 with an inprocessing line, mission brief, gear issue display, aircraft static displays, transport to a mock deployment to base X and many other stations and displays along their way.

The featured static aircraft were the KC-10 Extender, C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III for the participants to tour. There also were demonstrations from security forces military working dog handlers, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, fire department, the USO, Airman and Family Readiness Center and other base organizations.

"I really enjoyed this," said Senior Master Sgt. Maryann Navarro-Davis, 60th Force Support Squadron military personnel section superintendent. "I had a lot of fun and I am glad that my kids were exposed to what our military capabilities are. My favorite portion of the event was the C-5 static display because, in my career field, I don't have the opportunity to see aircraft up close and personal on a regular basis."

Navarro-Davis said the KUDOS process and transitions from each station were flawless and that she was happy to see her children have a great time.

Navarro-Davis' children said they really liked the exercise, security forces weapons display, EOD robot and fire truck stations. They also said they learned how a chemical suit and gas mask can protect from hazardous materials.

The simulated mission lasted approximately three hours with groups deploying every 15 minutes and ended at base operations where they were welcomed home.

"The event was a great success," said 2nd Lt. Naomi White, 60th Force Support Squadron military personnel section officer in charge. "Personnel from every group, (Contingency Response Wing) and Reserve units came together to put on this event to help foster family resiliency. I couldn't be more proud to be a part of team Travis. When a military member deploys, the whole family is affected. This opened the door of communication with the children and their parents about deployment and was a visual idea of what we do."