Photo By Tech. Sgt. Cambria Ferguson | Master Sgt. Thomas Hall, 704th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Weapons NCO in charge,...... read more read more
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Military children from Team Seymour participated in a mock deployment line during Operation Bug Out, Aug. 16, 2019, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. The event was hosted by the Airman and Family Readiness Center for kids between the ages of five and fifteen to experience similar processes used for real-world deployments.
“I think sometimes it’s harder on daddy because he realizes what he’s missing, but he also knows what he’s called to do,” said Elizabeth Meyers, spouse of Col. Joel Meyers, 4th Operations Group commander. “Military kids make a lot of sacrifices, but it’s things like this that help them understand what it means to serve the country and helps them balance the tougher parts.”
The event kicked off with a pre-deployment function line where kids were given mock mobility folders to complete throughout the day. Next, they transitioned to a simulated deployed environment at Camp Wildcat and spoke with explosive ordnance disposal technicians, firefighters, security forces members and logistics readiness airmen on the critical roles each play to ensure the safety of personnel. The day finished with a reunion phase which included a welcome home party for families to attend.
“There’s a lot that service members go through behind the scenes and kids don’t understand,” said Master Sgt. Joseph Ballantini, 4th Airman and Family Readiness NCO in charge. “I hope the biggest takeaway is to have families experience the emotional and physical cycles of deployment and know that we’re here to provide services and support them while their loved ones are away."
Events like this help set families up to have a successful deployment, every deployment. To find out more about AFRC programs, follow the Seymour Johnson AFB Airman & Family Readiness Center on Facebook or contact their office at (919) 722-1123.
| Date Taken: | 08.16.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 02.20.2020 14:13 |
| Story ID: | 363519 |
| Location: | GOLDSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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