Upcoming ‘deployment day’ for kids provides preparation, experience of process Published March 27, 2012 By Karen Abeyasekere 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- "Operation Together and Ready" is a deployment event specifically for children, and is scheduled for April 28 here at RAF Mildenhall. Hosted by the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the event is aimed at school-age children, whose parents are stationed at RAF Mildenhall, and Department of Defense Dependent Schools children (at RAF Lakenheath or RAF Feltwell) age 5 and over (though younger children will not be turned away). Teachers from DODDS are also invited to the event. "During Operation Together and Ready, children and DODDS teachers will experience the three phases of deployment," said Sharon Rector, 100th Force Support Squadron. She explained that Phase I will consist of the children going through a mock deployment line, Phase II is the "deployment phase," where they will travel by bus to a "secret" location in support of "Operation Young Heroes." Here, there will be static displays and demonstrations, including 100th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dogs, birds of prey display, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department, and 48th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Phase III is the "welcome home," scheduled to be held at Heritage Park, where children can relax, have hot dogs and enjoy the activities. "Operation Together and Ready lets children experience a deployment like their parents do," Rector said. "The program is geared towards children, but provides (a similar) experience. Parents can use their child's (new-found knowledge) to help explain deployments in a way the children will understand." When registering their children, parents must provide the child's name, age and school attended, to learn which "chalk" they will be in, and must show up on the day at the relevant time. There will be several chalks, so parents should ensure they know which one their child is in. "This is going to be a fantastic community event," said Megan Tollefson Fraser, 48th Mission Support Group dependant school liaison assistant. "Deployments can be tough on kids, but this event provides a unique chance for children to get a glimpse of the deployment experience. "Being able to (go through this) first hand is good for kids, as it helps them understand the process and feel connected to their parent who deploys," she said. "I encourage parents to sign up their children to participate. It's also a good opportunity for other organizations, like DODDS, to see a bit more of the military deployment cycle through the eyes of our youngest community members." Children under 12 must be escorted by their parents at all times. Parents of children 12 and older do not have to participate in Phase I or II, but must be at Heritage Park for Phase III in the afternoon. When arriving at the start of the day, everyone is asked to park either at the Commissary, Airman and Family Readiness Center, North Side Fitness Center, Galaxy Club or Bob Hope Community Center parking lots. Please do not park in the post office parking lot, as this area is required for the buses which will be transporting everyone. Volunteers are still needed to help with the event on the day. Anyone wishing to sign up as a volunteer should e-mail Tech. Sgt. Cecelia Anthony at cecelia.anthony@mildenhall.af.mil. To attend, parents must sign up their children in advance by calling the A&FRC at DSN 238-3406. The deadline for sign up is April 25 and spaces are limited so early registration is encouraged. Editor's note: For safety reasons, no hats or open-toed shoes are allowed. No strollers will be allowed on any of the buses.