Team Mildenhall prepares for Job Shadow Day

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Job Shadow Day is April 19 and school-age children of Team Mildenhall members will have the opportunity to gain an insight into different career opportunities offered in the U.S. Air Force and the varied missions of RAF Mildenhall.

"In the five years I've been here, this is the biggest (Job Shadow Day) yet," said Lisa Thompson, 48th Force Support Squadron school liaison officer. "RAF Mildenhall has really branched out and expanded the event this year, to make it a greater opportunity for kids; it shows the whole gammit of their mission."

Many squadrons around base are involved in the event, including the 100th Air Refueling Wing Staff Agencies, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron, 100th Force Support Squadron, 100th Operations Group and units from the 352nd Special Operations Group.

During the day there will be various vehicles and equipment displays, a KC-135 Stratotanker static display, presentations and tours of facilities including the air traffic control tower. Children will have the opportunity to receive hands-on experience at many different areas around base, such as using video equipment with public affairs; attending a fitness bootcamp at the North Side Fitness Center and watching military working dog demonstrations.

Students 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Visitors may travel between events at their own leisure.

"This is also a great experience for parents to observe what happens on different areas of the base, and they get to see the excitement in their children's eyes," Thompson said.

The event is also being held in conjunction with Month of the Military Child.

Sign-up online is highly encouraged, but children and parents can show up on the day. Before attending, all parents must complete and sign a permission slip for their child, and return it to the school before Friday, which is a regular school day. The permission slip provides excused absence from school; children attending without a signed permission slip will not be granted excused absence.

To sign up, visit http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E4AADAF28A02-rafmildenhall2/8677868.

For more information, call the school liaison office at DSN 226-5077 or commercial 01638-525077; or 2nd Lt. Joanna Pattugalan at DSN 238-5432 or commercial 01638-545432.