Recognition for ‘holding down the fort’

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jessica Brown
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  While it is not uncommon for Airmen to receive recognition for their hard work during deployments, the Airmen and Family Readiness Center here has a developed a way to recognize the family members of deployed Airmen.

The Little Heroes program at McConnell AFB was established in 2007 and is designed to recognize the children and spouses of deployed Airmen for their hardships during separations caused by deployments 45 days or longer.

"Sometimes children may feel alone or unappreciated," said Mary Reece, 22nd Air Refueling Wing A&FRC director. "We want to use this program to remind families that they are important and they are a part of the mission."

Recognizing the "little heroes" who hold down the fort while their parents are deployed is just one of the many ways McConnell AFB leadership can give back to families.

"'Little heroes' are usually recognized by their parents' leadership," said Reece. "Sometimes they hold barbecues and special ceremonies to present the children with tokens of appreciation."

Children who are recognized in this program receive a certificate in honor of their struggle without their parent(s), in addition to a wrist band with the words "I serve too," engraved on it.

The Little Heroes program allows family members to be the center of attention for a moment. This in turn allows them to feel like they are valuable and they do contribute to the success of the mission, said Tech. Sgt. Amanda McDowell, 22nd ARW A&FRC readiness NCOIC.

Since its implementation, the program has recognized thousands of children, said Reece.

In order to participate in the Little Heroes program, the child must have a parent who was deployed for at least 45 days. Children recognized in this program range from 4 to 18 years old.

For more information about the Little Heroes program contact the Airmen & Family Readiness Center at (316) 759-6020.