Luke deploys youth in Operation KIDS

  • Published
  • By Deborah Marie Gibson
  • Thunderbolt Staff Writer
More than 200 Luke youth experienced military life Oct. 13, as they participated in Operation KIDS, an Airman and Family Readiness Flight program which educates little Thunderbolts, ages 5 to 14, about what it's like to deploy. 

According to Tech Sgt. Michael Skinner, 56th Mission Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Flight readiness NCO, the benefit of Operation Kids is that children gain understanding about what their parent or other military member experiences during deployment. 

The day began with a 6:40 a.m. recall. The little recruits went through a processing line, learned about per diem and departed from Building 400 to an area known as Camp Thunderbolt. 

There children met numerous military agencies and discovered the possible dangers encountered during a real deployment. To add more realism to the operation, children received a mobility bag, photo identification card, T-shirt, military dog tags and even snacked on meals ready to eat. 

Little recruits also got their hands dirty by interacting with displays which included an air-gun range, chemical gear, a semi-automatic sniper rifle in the turret of a Humvee and dusting objects for fingerprints. 

At the operation's end, children received a grand welcome home from supporters which included members of the VFW, Arizona Diamondbacks mascot, Baxter and Col. Hank Reed, 56th Fighter Wing vice commander. 

"This day was a huge success and we are excited about another opportunity next year to increase children's understanding about the sacrifices made by those serving our
country," said Master Sgt. Enrique Rodriguez, 56th MSS Airman and Family Readiness Flight superintendent.