Keesler children participate in Operation Hero

Keesler children run to their parents during Operation Hero at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 5, 2018. The children were welcomed by their parents as they came “home” from a simulated deployment after receiving a tour of a C-130J Hercules. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Suzie Plotnikov)

U.S. Air Force Col. C. Mike Smith, 81st Training Wing vice commander, gives opening remarks during Operation Hero at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 5, 2018. The event gave military children a glimpse into the lives of deployed military members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Suzie Plotnikov)

Keesler families enter a C-130J Hercules during Operation Hero at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 5, 2018. The event gave military children a glimpse into the lives of deployed military members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Suzie Plotnikov)

Mady Gutierrez, daughter of U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Rogelio Gutierrez, 334th Training Squadron military training leader flight chief, participates in an obstacle course during Operation Hero at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 5, 2018. During the event, children had different tasks to complete before getting a tour of a C-130J Hercules. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Suzie Plotnikov)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Thanh Le, 81st Force Support Squadron installation personnel readiness specialist, applies face paint to Christian Canessa, family member of Senior Airman Nicole Rivera, 81st Medical Group biomedical equipment technician, at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 5, 2018. The event gave military children a glimpse into the lives of deployed military members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Suzie Plotnikov)

Mackenna and Maxon Richardson, children of U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tighe Richardson, 81st Medical Group ophthalmology and refractive surgery chief, perform a litter carry during Operation Hero at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 5, 2018. During the event, children had different tasks to complete before getting a tour of a C-130J Hercules . (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Suzie Plotnikov)

Operation Hero dog tags are displayed during Operation Hero at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 5, 2018. The event gave military children a glimpse into the lives of deployed military members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Suzie Plotnikov)