RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Randolph Airman and Family Readiness Flight hosts a free deployment simulation event for families and spouses of military members June 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Operation Families Learning About Global Support is a chance for families to experience the mobility process their loved ones go through prior to a military deployment.
"This is our fifth time to host Operation FLAGS," said Master Sgt. Todd Remington, Randolph Personnel and Family Readiness manager. "This one is going to be our biggest and best one yet."
Operation FLAGS is expected to include about 300 family members. Three groups will be formed, and will rotate through three stations to simulate different aspects of deployment.
The first station will be a modified deployment line complete with representatives from mobility, the chapel, military equal opportunity, medical group, family readiness and military intelligence. The second station will include static display aircraft on the flight line. The last station is a weapons display, obstacle course and scavenger hunt set up outside of the airman and family readiness flight. After participants have visited the various stations, the entire group will meet for free food and drinks.
Each child participant is issued a "war bag," including Operation FLAGS dog tags and an ID card to keep as a souvenir. They will also receive a mock mobility folder to take with them through the processing line, adding to the reality of the experience, said Sergeant Remington.
Senior wing leadership will kick off the event and welcome the families, followed by a 12th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog demonstration.
"If families understand some of what goes on when their loved one is preparing for a deployment and what they experience while deployed, maybe it will eliminate some stress they feel," Sergeant Remington said. "If we can eliminate some of the family's stress at home, then hopefully it will spread to their family member down range."
The event is open to all Team Randolph members and their families.
"Some people think they have to have a family member deployed to come out, but that simply isn't the case," Sergeant Remington said. "We encourage everyone to come out, even if they don't have a family member on mobility status."
Deployments have become a way of life for members of the Air Force and this program is intended to educate as many people as possible, said Sergeant Remington.
Families must sign up at the Randolph Airman and Family Readiness Flight for this free event before June 1. A special prize will be given to children who sign up before June 1, Sergeant Remington said.
For more information, call 652-5321