KUDOS 2013
An Air Force Reserve pararescueman from the 308th Rescue Squadron helps an Air Force-dependent child try on a gas mask during the Kids Understanding Deployment Operations event at Patrick Air Force Base June 1, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Anna-Marie Wyant)
Kids learn about deployment process during fun, interactive event



by Tech. Sgt. Anna-Marie Wyant
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

6/2/2013 - PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.  -- Approximately 80 Air Force dependent children learned about the deployment process during the Kids Understanding Deployment Operations event here June 1.

The event, hosted by the Airman and Family Readiness Center, led children through children a fun, interactive version of the deployment process. The children were given paper passports, camouflage hats and shirts, dog tags and more kid-friendly deployment-related items.

Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton, 45th Space Wing commander, and Col. Mark Blalock, 920th Operations Group commander, spoke to the children about deployments and the hard work the children's parents do as active duty and Reserve Airmen. The children also learned how to salute and stand at attention.

Pararescuemen from the 920th Rescue Wing, Air Force Reserve Command's only combat search-and-rescue wing, displayed their gear and allowed the children to try on gas masks, hold dummy M-16s and pose on an all-terrain vehicle. An HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter and HC-130P/N King turboprop aircraft, the two airframes the 920th RQW uses, were also on static display on the flight line for the kids to explore.

For news and information on the 920th Rescue Wing, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.