Strategic communications children go to work

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Strategic Communications Squadron hosted Bring Your Children to Work Day Aug. 7 as a way to show the children what their parents do and its importance.

"This event is extremely important as it is our way of showing the children how much they are valued as an integral part of our squadron's mission and overall success," said U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Casey Dockins, 55th SCS defense red switch network officer in charge and event coordinator. "This is the first event of its kind for our squadron and we hope to host more in the future."

The mission of the 55th SCS is to provide real-time, secure, nuclear survivable missile warning, and command, control and communications capabilities in support of the Defense Department, U.S. Strategic Command and the 55th Wing.

The event featured a mission brief followed by a two-hour guided tour of the Alternate Missile Warning Center and Defense Satellite Communications Systems.

"The tour gave the children 'a peak under the curtain' as to some of the things their parents do on a daily basis while at work," Dockins said.

More than 40 children, ages three to 17, attended the event and their responses were nothing short of ecstatic.

Kayce and Will, children of U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Scott Stevens, 55th SCS commander, were among the participants.

"Getting to see where my dad works was the best part," said 12 year-old Kayce. "I had never seen it before."

Her brother shared her enthusiasm.

"I liked the satellites," said 9 year-old Will. "They were really high up."

At the end of the day, the children were presented with certificates of recognition signed by the 55th SCS commander stating they were "Honorary Members of the 55th Strategic Communication Squadron."

"This event provided a rare opportunity for our squadron members to involve their children during a day at the office," Dockins said. "Hopefully it will enhance their understanding of what we do to keep them safe while helping them realize how valued they are as a key part of our squadron family."