U.S. Air Force Airmen welcome kids to a ‘welcome home’ party during Operation Hero at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 16, 2024. Operation Hero ended with a ‘welcome home’ party, simulating the end of a deployment, which involved music, dancing, and snacks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Abigayl Salyer)

A U.S Air Force dependent shoots at a target during Operation Hero at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 16, 2024. The Nerf qualification exercise allowed volunteers to introduce the children to physical aspects of military training, which was one of many activities lined up during the simulated pre-deployment process. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Abigayl Salyer)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from 633d Civil Engineering Squadron show a dependant how to operate a fire hose during Operation Hero at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 16, 2024. The fire department demonstrated a fire hose exercise, which was one of many activities lined up during the simulated pre-deployment process. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Abigayl Salyer)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from 633d Civil Engineering Squadron give a brief to dependents about fire trucks during Operation Hero at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 16, 2024. Operation Hero welcomed approximately 260 participants, including more than 160 children, who participated in a variety of activities simulating the pre-deployment process. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Abigayl Salyer)