Sheppard youth deploy during Operation KIDS event

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Team Sheppard sent 106 young "troops" on a special deployment to "Base X" during the annual Operation KIDS event, April 23. The group experienced an interactive mini-deployment scenario with typical military procedures their parents may encounter during a deployment.

Children were sent through a deployment line, took a ride to "Base X" in a C-130, wore Kevlar gear, learned about weapons and much more. As the children completed their tour they were greeted with a welcome home party at Bldg. 2113.

Staff Sgt. Donald Werner, 366st Training Squadron instructor, said this was a good opportunity to prepare his 5-year-old son for an upcoming deployment.

"I will be deploying soon so this was a good chance for us to get to spend some time together and help him understand what I will be going through," Sergeant Werner said.

Donald, Sergeant Werner's 5-year-old son, said his favorite part of Operation KIDS was getting to learn about the C-130.

"I got to ride in the plane and use the steering wheel and make the prop spin." Donald said. "The plane has a GPS and the steering is just like the kind in the car we have."

Lt. Col. Erik Bovasso, 82nd Force Support Commander, said this was his first time attending Operation KIDS with Brandon, his 7-year-old son.

"I told my son about my experience when I deployed and this is basically the exact process I went through," the colonel said. "It brings back the memories from the deployment line to the plane ride."

Brandon said he was really enjoying his time at the event and felt like he was going thought the same process his dad went through when he deployed.

"My favorite parts so far have been the dog training and the plane ride," he said. "The plane ride was exactly like the one my dad told me he went on for six or seven hours. I want to be in the Air Force just like my dad when I grow up and be a police man."

Brig. Gen. Darryl Burke, 82nd Training Wing commander, said he thought the program was a great way to inform kids of what their parents go through as they deploy.

"It is an important process for military children to experience," the general said. "They see what their parents do and it helps them grasp the concept of what a deployment really means."
Chief Master Sgt. David Nelson, 82nd TRW command chief, said it was good to see the parents and children so excited about the event.

"This was my first time attending Operation KIDS and it was really great to see the kids getting to interact with the dog handlers, gear and other things their parents use during a deployment," the chief said.

Master Sgt. Richard Cory who was in charge of Operation KIDS, said this annual event gives kids the chance to experience a deployment from beginning to end.

"From the deployment line where they are issued their dog tags, to the time they are greeted at the homecoming party, they get a visual and hands-on of what their parents go through,"

Sergeant Cory said. "Showing kids and letting them experience it themselves, I think alleviates their fears and gives them a good idea of what is going on."