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JBSA News
NEWS | June 15, 2007

Youth center program increases awareness, reduces fear

By Megan Orton 12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

More than 250 children and adults attended the Airman and Family Readiness Flight's annual Operation Families Learning About Global Support June 8. 

The program, which was incorporated into the Randolph Youth Center's summer camp, teaches military dependents about deployment by leading them through a typical pre-deployment process with some kid-friendly tweaks. 

"Operation FLAGS gave my family the chance to see what I will be going through when it's time for my deployment," said Maj. Greg Caudle, an Air Education and Training Command contracting officer who is scheduled to deploy later this summer. "Deploying is never easy, but this has helped them appreciate what I do and has given them peace of mind." 

Major Caudle and his wife accompanied their four children through the day's activities after finding out about it from a coworker. 

"I've been on active duty for over 11 years, and this is the first time my family has done anything like this," he said. "They all loved it." 

The morning began with a check-in process where children were given dog tags, a mock military ID card and mobility bag (pillow case) with goodies. A military training instructor was on-hand to put any wayward "trainees" back in line. 

Children were then divided into chalks or groups and rotated through three main areas including the mobility line, flight line and home station. 

The first rotation site was the deployment line, where Airmen deploying out of Randolph would usually receive briefings and complete checklists with representatives from the medical group, finance, legal office, A&FRF and chapel. Participants received check marks and treats at each station. 

The participants were then able to try on a variety of deployment gear, including Kevlar helmets and body armor. Amidst kids' comments on the shocking weight of the items, youth center and deployment center employees explained that these items are vital to their moms and dads when they deploy. 

The children were also given an intelligence briefing, where location-specific questions were answered to allay uneasiness kids might have about parents deploying to certain locations. 

"For family members, Operation FLAGS minimizes the unknown, which is what causes most of our fears," said Master Sgt. Todd Remington, A&FRF Family Readiness NCO in charge. "If something is less strange to these kids, they can better understand what their parents are going through." 

During the event, participants were also able to tour several base aircraft on the flight line and participate in an obstacle course. The day wrapped up with lunch and a military working dog demonstration outside of the A&FRF. 

More than 90 volunteers came together from across Randolph to make the event happen, Sergeant Remington said. 

"From seeing the deployment line to trying on equipment the experience was really top-notch," Major Caudle said. "It made my family realize what an important part they play in my deployment."