Operation Hero teaches children about deployment Published May 6, 2010 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Children can get an introduction to the deployment process during Operation Hero May 22. "We present Operation Hero twice a year to give parents a chance to expose their children to what happens when they leave home for deployment taskings or temporary duty," explained Master Sgt. Jessica Woodruff, noncommissioned officer in charge of family readiness for the airman and family readiness center. "The program is intended for kids ages 5 and up whose parents are active duty members or civilians," Sergeant Woodruff continued. "Children under age 10 without identification cards must be accompanied by a parent or designated caregiver." The day begins at 8:40 a.m. when children arrive at the back entrance of Sablich Center to be processed and get their gear before a bus ride to the deployment facility. The "deployed" children hear a mission brief from the base commander, go through a processing line, find out what's inside a mobility bag and visit a simulated deployment site. Children have their faces painted for camouflage, go through an inflatable obstacle course, save their flight by finding dangers to win a medal, snack on meals-ready-to-eat, compete in a drill competition, check out communication displays and military vehicles and view demonstrations from various base agencies. Each participant receives a camouflaged "I survived boot camp" T-shirt, Operation Hero dog tags, a "certificate of survival" and other giveaways. A "welcome home" picnic with free lunch at the youth center is planned. The day's activities end at 12:30 p.m. The program is limited to 100 children. To sign up or for more information, call Sergeant Woodruff, 376-8508, by May 19.