Kids Investigate Deployment Services "enlistments" underway

  • Published
  • By Frank McIntyre
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, OKLA. --  Operation KIDS wants you - provided you're an active-duty, Reserve or Guard military dependent between the ages of 5 and 12. 

Operation KIDS (Kids Investigating Deployment Services) is a hands-on event designed to give children in military families an understanding of what parents experience prior to and during a deployment. And now through October 15 parents can register their recruits in the program at Vance Air Force Base's Airman and Family Readiness Center. 

These young recruits will be on a fast-track orientation to what their military parents experience. Children sign up at the center, take an oath of "enlistment," get their photograph taken for an ID card and receive "orders," which include information they will need for the Oct. 19 activities, according to Tech. Sgt. Bobbie White, 71st Mission Support Squadron AFRC readiness NCO. 

"The kids are exposed to a lot during the "enlistment" followed by the actual deployment day," Sergeant White said. "They don't usually get to see what their parents go through when deployed, so this is a great opportunity for them to see that and it may help them understand the process. 

"We want the program to be something children look back on when their parents are called to deploy," she said. "So instead of scary images entering the children's minds, we hope they think of this event and know their parents will be in good hands." 

Deployment day takes place 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 19 beginning at the base fitness center. The children go through a child-friendly processing line; receiving their ID cards and "mobility" bags before being bused to their deployment location - Hangar 170. 

"The hangar will be transformed into 'Camp Liberty,' where there will be a humvee, tents, cots, a dog demonstration, weapons display and more," Sergeant White said. "The children are then taken to the community chapel activity center for a 'welcome home' celebration complete with cake, refreshments and patriotic music."

Adult volunteers will be available to walk children through the day's activities, she said. Parents may feel free to join their children, but are encouraged to wait at the welcome home party at the CCAC to make the event more realistic. 

The Airman and family readiness center also hopes parents walk away with a sense of security. 

"We want families to know we're there for them while they're overseas," Tech. Sgt. Mark Green, AFRC coordinator said. "If Airmen don't feel their families are taken care of, they won't be the best at doing their jobs." 

To register, for more information or to volunteer, call Sergeants White or Green at 6330.