Aviano children experience deployment line

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Children from the Aviano elementary and middle schools experienced a simulated deployment line May 5 at the Personnel Alert Holding Area, here.

"It's something we do so we can help the kids understand what their mom and dad go through before and during a deployment," said Master Sgt. Jamie Kitchen, 603rd ACS combat readiness superintendent. "They get to see a small part of what their parents experience downrange and it helps them feel connected even when their parents aren't around."

The Aviano Children's Deployment Line is an annual event hosted by the 603rd Air Control Squadron and run by volunteers from around the base.

"I like to volunteer and this is a great opportunity to show the children different jobs in the military and see a little bit of what their parents do every day," said Senior Airman Makis Sebastien, 31st Fighter Wing Command Post emergency action controller.

Children were escorted by volunteers, teachers and parents to each station. Airmen and Family Readiness Center volunteers distributed identification cards and dog tags, painted children's faces and discussed how to remain connected with deployed parents.

Volunteers from the 31st Medical Group allowed children to see the inside of an ambulance, use the loud speaker and learn about medical treatment done in an ambulance.

Explosive ordnance disposal technicians fitted the children with protective gear and let them use a remote-controlled robot.

Airmen with the 31st Security Forces Squadron showed children an armored Humvee, allowing children to climb in the turret and use the loud speaker. The Airmen also put on a Military Working Dog demonstration to show how the dogs are used to protect people from "bad guys."

Firefighters with the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron showed children some of their equipment and vehicles and how to spray a fire hose.

"Everything was so much fun," said Eliana Ornelas, daughter of Tech. Sgt. Carlos Ornelas. "I think I liked the fire truck and ambulance best because I got to spray the big hose and spin around on the stretcher."

Children also experienced a physical training session, used tactical radios, put on gas masks and Kevlar gear, and climbed in a tactical vehicle.

Jennifer Foley, a mother of two boys participating in the event, said she was glad her children were allowed this opportunity.

"This is a really great experience for them," she said. "My husband is deployed to [Southwest Asia] and when my children Skype with their father they'll have lots to talk about."