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TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The Airman and Family Readiness Center hosted its 9th annual Operation Jr. Raptor program at Tyndall, March 14, 2015.
The program allows children of military members to experience a deployment while incorporating different elements, such as a commander’s brief and orientation from the Youth Center.
“Our role during the event was to be the flight leaders for a group of children,” said Master Sgt. Simon De Oleo, 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron customer support section chief. “Our job was to guide a flight of over 20 kids through the deployment process, a sequence of activities at the deployed location and redeployment back to home station.”
The children were instructed to process through a line with several stations requiring them to give information, as well as receive information, prior to their departure. Upon completing their in-processing, the children were taught facing movements and engaged in physical training exercises led by Master Sgt. Sean Gray, 325th Force Support Squadron 1st Sgt.
“We believe the events for Jr. Raptor were very well coordinated and designed to give the kids a fun filled experience,” said Master Sgt. Melissa De Oleo, 325th LRS superintendent, readiness. “While also providing them with a better understanding of what kind of day-to-day situations their parents experience when they deploy.”
A total of 108 children were in attendance for the event with as many as 60 volunteers to assist with the program, and ensure the children’s safety and full participation.
Organizations from the 325th FSS, 325th Medical Operations Squadron, 325th LRS and 823 RED HORSE Squadron provided support and activities for the event.
“The main purpose of Jr. Raptor is to allow the children to gain firsthand knowledge of experiences their parents may encounter before, during, or after a deployment,” said Rebecca Mroczkowski, 325th FSS community readiness specialist. “Although the event cannot fully replicate a deployment, it can give parents talking points to discuss similar circumstances with their children.”
In addition, children were allowed to interact with emergency response vehicles and don the Hazardous Materials suit.
“The most enjoyable part for me was seeing different jobs and how they are part of the mission,” said Simon De Oleo Jr., 14, son of Master Sgt. Simon and Master Sgt. Melissa De Oleo. “From firefighters, to the guys making the meals, it was neat to see how they all come together.”
Simon played the role of crew chief and led the children by example along with his brother Gregory, 15.
“My plan is to join the Air Force like my parents, go to the Air Force Academy and become an F-22 fighter pilot,” said Simon.
One portion of the event required children to travel through a Middle Eastern-themed village while being escorted by a military member. The military member explained to the children how they lived, why their parents are required to come to places such these and what they’re doing to help them.
At the end of the event, children were brought back to the Youth Center from which they were first deployed. Friends and family members stood by as their children entered the facility after returning from a job well done.
| Date Taken: | 03.14.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.18.2015 16:13 |
| Story ID: | 157405 |
| Location: | TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 60 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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