LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
More than 280 children, families and volunteers participated in the Operation Hero event Aug. 7 at Langley Air force Base, Va., where children went through a simulated pre-deployment process.
The 12th annual event aims to show children various aspects of military and deployment requirements their family members might go through, including a fitness obstacle course, immunizations and chemical warfare gear, while exposing them to career fields such as security forces, medical support and explosive ordnance disposal.
"It's very important for the kids to feel like they are a part of the process and have an understanding of the positive aspects of the military," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Dawn Chapman, Airman and Family Readiness Center readiness noncommissioned officer. "It's wonderful to be out here and see our military families enjoying themselves."
Hillary Percivalle, a military spouse, attended the event with her three children and said the activities gave her family a better understanding of military procedures.
"It helped my family deal with my husband's deployment because we got to see what he has to go through to deploy," she said. "This experience makes it more relatable."
After recently moving to Langley, Anna Linehan, a 13-year-old military dependent, said she was eager to attend Operation Hero with her family.
"I came with my two younger brothers and they were really excited about it too. There was a fire truck, that was really cool," said Anna. "I had no clue before what people did on Langley, but this event gave me a better insight of what happens here."
Operation Hero is just one of numerous activities hosted by AFRC to help families cope while their Service member is away. Chapman said AFRC also holds monthly events and a quarterly "Hearts Apart" dinner, as well as an annual "Evening Under the Stars" spouse event.
"There is no better business than making sure our Airmen and their families are taken care of," said Chapman. "This event is just a small part of giving back to them."
For more information on programs for deployed Service members, contact the AFRC at 764-3990.