Operation KIDS kicks off!

U.S. Military children prepare for the 15th annual Operation KIDS event Sept. 9, 2023, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Operation Kids is a simulated deployment experience for children of deployed service members, giving them a look into what their parents may experience while deployed. Experiences like this help advance quality of life for military members and their families, contributing to a healthier work and life balance at Luke AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman David Busby)

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Operation KIDS kicks off!

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Rueschhoff, 56th Fighter Wing commander, participates in the activities of the 15th annual Operation KIDS event Sept. 9, 2023, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The program is designed for military children ages 6-15 years and gives them an idea of what their parents might encounter on deployment. Experiences like this help advance quality of life for military members and their families, contributing to a healthier work and life balance at Luke AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman David Busby)

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Operation KIDS kicks off!

U.S. Military children sign their certificates during the 15th annual Operation KIDS event Sept. 9, 2023, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Over 100 children, nine squadrons and four local organizations participated in the event, giving kids the opportunity to experience the deployment process. Experiences like this help advance quality of life for military members and their families, contributing to a healthier work and life balance at Luke AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman David Busby)

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Operation KIDS kicks off!

U.S. Air Force Airman Angelica Arce, 944th Logistics Support Squadron inbound specialist, applies face paint to a child at the 15th annual Operation KIDS event Sept. 9, 2023, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The simulated deployed environment can provide insight on the deployment process and promote pride for parents while they are deployed. Over 100 children, nine squadrons and four local organizations participated in the event, giving kids the opportunity to experience the deployment process. (U.S. Air Force photo Senior Airman David Busby)

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Operation KIDS kicks off!

Two U.S. Air Force children pose for a photo during the 15th annual Operation KIDS event Sept. 9, 2023, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Operation Kids is a simulated deployment experience for children of deployed service members, giving them a look into what their parents may experience while deploying. Experiences like this help advance quality of life for military members and their families, contributing to a healthier work and life balance at Luke AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman David Busby)

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Operation KIDS kicks off!

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jose Ramirez, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposal technician, shows a military child various EOD equipment during the 15th annual Operation KIDS event Sept. 9, 2023, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Over 100 children, nine squadrons and four local organizations participated in the event, giving kids the opportunity to experience the deployment process. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman David Busby)

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Operation KIDS kicks off!

A U.S. Air Force child tries on combat gear during the 15th annual Operation KIDS event Sept. 9, 2023, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The program is designed for military children ages 6-15 years and provides children with a look at what their parents can encounter while on a deployment. Experiences like this help advance quality of life for military members and their families, contributing to a healthier work and life balance at Luke AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman David Busby)

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Operation KIDS kicks off!

Published Sept. 15, 2023
By Senior Airman David Busby
56 FW/PA

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- U.S. Military children prepare for the 15th annual Operation KIDS event Sept. 9, 2023, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Operation Kids is a simulated deployment experience for children of deployed service members, giving them a look into what their parents may experience while deployed. Experiences like this help advance quality of life for military members and their families, contributing to a healthier work and life balance at Luke AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman David Busby)