47th FSS hosts XL Junior Deployment Line

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 47th Force Support Squadron is scheduled to host an event for Laughlin youth to explain the deployment process at the military personnel flight April 13.

Laughlin's XL Junior Deployment Line will take children ages 6 to 17 through their own mini deployment including a personnel deployment function line, simulated deployed location, and homecoming.

"The idea is to help the children relate a little to what their parents go through when deploying," said Janet Johnson, 47th FSS school liaison officer. "The experience can make separation easier and encourage an interest in the Air Force as a career."

The event will begin with a call the night prior to the event telling participants they are being deployed and need to report April 13 for briefings and equipment pickup, explained Johnson.

"When they arrive the children will be issued an identification card, shirt, dog tags and more, to make everything seem real," said Johnson.

At the personnel deployment function line, children will sit through age appropriate briefings to include legal, chapel, medical and finance. Once the briefings are completed, the children will be taken to an unannounced location to serve as a deployed area called Operation XL.

Once there, children will go through physical training, learn self aid and buddy care, and receive a weapon safety briefing among several other surprise events, explained Johnson.

"Operation XL will provide children an interactive look at some of the activities their parents go through when away from home," said Johnson.

The last part of the event will take place at Laughlin's youth center for the children's homecoming party with the Rising 6 council cooking the welcome home meal.

Signup sheets are available at the Airman Family Readiness Center, the youth center and child development center until March 29. Forms must be completed and submitted by then and children must be present at registration so a picture can be taken for their I.D.

Children 6 to 8 years old must be accompanied by a parent through the event and those 9 to 17 can experience it alone.

"The goal is to help children understand what being a part of the Air Force entails," said Johnson.

For more information on the event and available photo times contact the Laughlin Youth Center at 298-5343