Fifth, sixth graders prepare for deployment

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The Airmen and Family Readiness center hosted approximately 250 local fifth and sixth graders for a Junior Pre-Deployment Function April 9, to include students from six schools and a few home-schooled children.

According to the A&FRC, the program's goal was to create an interactive and fun environment, educating children on preparing for deployment.

"It is important for the children to see the deployment process so that they can have a better understanding of what it is that their parents, or their friend's parents, go through when they go on their deployments," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Gerry Palmer, 55th Force Support Squadron.  "We also want to increase the families' sense of safety and security and decrease the stress associated with deployments."

The students began their journey at the Offutt Field House where they had a special visit from the wing commander.

"The neat thing is some of you are seeing what your parents do, some of you are seeing what your friend's parents do and maybe some of you are seeing what you may want to do one day," said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory Guillot, 55th Wing commander. "I hope you remain enthusiastic, keep your ears open, enjoy what you are seeing and ask questions. It is important to learn as much as you can about deployments and what goes on in the Air Force when we get to take what we do to another place and help defend our country. I really appreciate that you are willing to skip most of the day of school to come out and spend it with us."

From there, they were broken into groups and began their journey.

"The students did a myriad of events from going through a processing line, getting to tour an aircraft, seeing a small setup of what is in a deployed location, to seeing a military working dog demonstration," Palmer said. "They also learned about Air Force physical training, customs and courtesies, and basic drill movements that are taught to all Airmen entering the Air Force."

The students were accompanied by military members and teachers from their school.

"The students had a great time and were thrilled to participate in all the activities," said Cheryl Fredericks, LeMay Elementary School sixth grade teacher. "Thank you to all the event organizers and volunteers." 

The day's events were nothing short of a group effort.

"There were many agencies across Offutt involved: the Chapel, 55th Security Forces Squadron, 55th Force Support Squadron, 55th Communications Squadron, 55th Medical group, 55th Comptroller Squadron,  base legal office, and the various volunteers that stepped up to help out in making the event a success," Palmer said. "This was a way for all of us to reach out and educate the children of our members on the deployment process."

This was the first time since 2010 the base has sponsored the event, but they hope to do so again in the future.