LANGLEY AFB, VA. –
Deployments are a reality of our Air Force. But, that reality is not always clear ... especially for young children.
How do you explain to a 7-year-old why Mommy or Daddy is going to be gone for six months and what they will be doing?
At Langley, it's called Operation Hero, and more than 150 children, 100 parents and approximately 75 volunteers came together Tuesday to make the deployment process a reality for kids.
Participants were issued orders, had their picture taken for an ID card and received dog tags. They were also sent through a series of deployment stations.
Children were able to climb up into the cockpit of a F-15 Eagle, which is on display inside the static hangar, and see a real fighter plane and talk to pilots.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight explained their jobs, as did 1st Fighter Wing Hospital staff members, allowed the children to climb into an ambulance to have their photograph taken.
"It's a privilege to show the young people what we do on a daily basis," said Tech Sgt Michael Bennett, 1st Medical Operations Squadron, who explained some children are afraid of medical personnel and hospitals because they only see them when they are sick or injured.
"It's an opportunity for them to see us as a friendly face, and the response has been great," Sergeant Bennett added.
Other highlights included a demonstration by Langley's working dogs, which had the parents and children captivated.
"It's cool! The dogs are the best," said Kylie Harper, daughter of Maj. Thomas Harper, Air Combat Command/A6 deputy chief of the readiness branch.
A tent inside the static display hangar showed the youth where Mom or Dad might sleep or work. They were also given the chance to try a Meals, Ready to Eat.
Despite the grumblings about MREs among military members ... those tasting the jambalaya, chicken noodle soup, and crackers and peanut butter were responding with resounding "Mmmmmmms" and "That was good!"
"I won't even have to take my kid to lunch," joked one dad, whose son was more than willing to take a nibble of everything.
"It was fun, it was a good time," said Capt. Kyle Abraham, assistant staff judge advocate and Operation Hero volunteer.
"Operation Hero helps children understand what their parents do and alleviate the fear of the unknown, but it is also a great way to say thanks to the kids, and let them know how important they are to supporting their parents and getting the mission done," said Master Sgt. Vickie Edmundson, Family Readiness noncommissioned officer and four-year Operation Hero coordinator.