LANGLEY AFB, VA. –
The Airman and Family Readiness Center and People Helping People will host a mock deployment for children ages 5 and up 7:45 a.m. Aug. 29 at the Static Display Hangar.
The program is designed to show Langley children what goes into a deployment through displays and activities.
"The purpose is to let the kids know what goes on when their parents deploy," said Master Sgt. Victoria Edmundson, Airman and Family Readiness NCO. "If they know more about what their parents do and the safety precautions involved, it's not as scary."
More than 60 children have already signed up for the program, which will feature a working dog demonstration from the 1st Security Forces Squadron, a simulated deployment tent from the 1st Logistics Readiness Squadron, a "mission brief" from the 1st Fighter Wing commander and deployment processing line where children will receive dog tags and ID badges. Children will also get to see an F-15 Eagle, a fire truck and Explosive Ordnance Disposal robots.
"LRS is going to have a tent set up so children can see a day in the life of a deployment," Sergeant Edmundson said. "They're going to learn about what their parents do, what they eat and why they deploy."
Children will meet at the Static Display Hangar and be divided into chalks. After receiving their ID cards and their mission brief, the children will be escorted through six zones, showcasing equipment and experts to demonstrate and answer questions. Lunch is provided by AAFES, the commissary, Friends of the Airman and Family Readiness Center and the USO.
"I want for kids to come out and experience it," said Sergeant Edmundson. "It's not only a fun day, but it's educational as well. Kids can learn the 'whats' and 'whys' about why their parents deploy."
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult. For more information or to register, call 764-3990.