KUDOS scheduled to bring mock deployment to Travis youth

Published March 28, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Christopher Carranza
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Travis is scheduled to host Kids Understanding Deployment Operations from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., April 12 at building P-1.

"KUDOS is an integral part of our resiliency efforts here at Travis," said Wesley Yancey, 60th Air Mobility Command community support coordinator. "The impact of deployments on family members, especially children, can often surface in the form of anxiety and stress. One way that we can help relieve this anxiety is to provide those children with an introduction to what their parents may go through during a typical deployment operation in a fun and relaxed environment."

KUDOS will highlight what service members experience while processing for deployment such as the in-processing line, a mission brief and a mock deployment to base X.

The event will also feature static aircraft such as the KC-10 Extender, C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III for the participants to tour. Additionally demonstrations from security forces military working dog handlers, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Fire Department and other base organizations will be showcased.

The simulated mission is projected to last approximately two hours with groups deploying every 15 minutes.

"The mock deployment can be highly informational for not only the children, but also for the adults," Yancey said. "It is a great way for them to see what resources are available to them here at home and away."

Please be aware that it is mandatory for children to be accompanied by an adult during the KUDOS event. Furthermore, it is optional for children to wear an article of their parent's uniform.

For more information of operation, KUDOS call 424-7031.