A&FRC teach children about deployments

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Nearly 70 children experienced the deployment process during a family mobility line, Oct. 16, 2010.

This annual event, hosted by McConnell's Airman and Family Readiness Center, was geared at explaining military deployments to McConnell's families.

"The Airman and Family Readiness Center is all about readiness, and today we are trying to give spouses and children the experience of a real-life deployment," said Mary Reece, A&FRC chief. "During the family mobility line, they will experience beginning to end, pre-deployment, deploying and the return home."

The day began at the A&FRC where, children lined in formation and ran through drills. Each child was issued a mobility bag, dog tags and camouflage hats. Children were also given the chance to have their face painted with camouflage paint.

After equipment issue, the children were then marched to Building 1090, where they were taught how and when to salute and processed through a "mobility line." Representatives from the military personnel section, finance, legal, chapel, A&FRC and the medical group provided the children with realistic briefings similar to the ones Airmen receive before they deploy.

Among those going through the "mobility line" were Lt. Col. Scott Thatcher, 350th Air Refueling Squadron commander, and his daughter Emma, 8, who has been through three change in stations and two deployments.

"The realism was great," said Colonel Thatcher. "I was very impressed with the mobility folder. It had shot records, a government travel card, passport, deployment orders and a CPR card."

During the "mobility line," children learned about the different readiness steps their parents complete before a deployment. It is through this process, McConnell Airmen ensure all proper documentation is correct and they are fit to fight.

"I talked her through each and every station of the mobility line and told her what each step was for," said Colonel Thatcher. "What really hit home for her was that I knew every person working the line so she knew it was the real thing with the real people."

Following the "mobility line," everyone was bussed to a KC-135 for a tour to learn about the capabilities of the aircraft. Aircrew explained how to refuel other aircraft to include other KC-135s, how cargo and personnel are positioned in the aircraft and how the aircraft are used for aeromedical evacuations.

"I really liked the airplane, it was the best," said Emma.

Children were then bussed to Camp McConnell, a simulated deployment location, where family members were greeted by Col. Jamie Crowhurst, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander and the event's Camp McConnell commander. They were then briefed about the camp's mission while they were "deployed."

While at Camp McConnell, children experienced various displays and demonstrations. The deployers also performed physical exercises to learn how important physical fitness is in the Air Force not only deployed but also in day-to-day activities.

With the deployed mission complete, the children loaded on busses and were driven around the perimeter road where they were greeted by freedom riders waving flags and displaying American pride. As the children unloaded from the busses, they were welcomed back home by family and friends showing their support.

"For me, one of the scariest things about deployments is the unknown," said Megan Brace, wife of Staff Sgt. Marshall Brace, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Commander's Action Group NCOIC. "But, the family mobility line gave me some insight into what happens specifically from the time the Airmen leave McConnell to when they arrive overseas and what life might be like for them while they are away. It makes an overwhelming experience seem easier to deal with when you know what to expect."