Military Children Experience Deployment

From Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Northwest

April 5, 2010 - SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Military families throughout the Northwest region gathered April 1 to experience a "deployment" during their spring break.

Children from Naval Base Kitsap (NBK), Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) and Naval Station Everett (NSE), participated in the third annual Kids Camp Deployment, a free, day-long event, where they had a small taste of military life away from their loved ones.

According to Chris Kasparek, Child and Youth Programs (CYP) administrator for NBK, the event for the more than 400 families in attendance, was in partnership with CYP and Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), where they simulated, for the children, what their parent(s) goes through when they deploy.

"The children experienced meeting and working with people they've never met; they ate together, did physical fitness and a mini-boot camp, and they got to see what other people do in the military," said Kasparek.

The children experienced physical fitness, static displays, and demonstrations from military working dogs and security personnel. Children from Naval Station Everett had the opportunity to tour the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), where they also ate lunch in the wardroom. On NASWI, the children had a condensed mock PRT, toured various aircraft on the flightline, viewed various flight crew safety equipment, and had lunch at the galley. Children from NBK were able to experience a deployment atmosphere by being "deployed" to a secret location, which was Miracle Ranch in Port Orchard.

For the military volunteers, the event was an opportunity to show the children what they go through, and hope the children have a greater appreciation for what their parents experience during their careers.

"The event provides good insight into what we do," said Master-At-Arms 2nd Class Fabian Salazar, a military working dog handler with NSE Security. "They see how we're always emphasizing safety. That way, when they come on base and see the dogs, they know the dogs are here to protect them." "It gives the kids a good idea of what their parents go through and they learn the things they have to do on deployment. Plus, they get to have that feeling of the homecoming with everyone waiting for them, cheering for them and waving flags and all that good stuff. I think it's just a good deal all together," added Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class (AW) Christopher Perez, of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132.

Kathy Selves, FFSC work and family life supervisor, said she feels that a deployment like this is very important for both the military member and their children.

"I think this is a really great opportunity for kids to get an idea as to what their parents go through. I think it's important for the parents to have their kids experience a homecoming, so they can show some appreciation back to their kids. This is a good way for them to look into each others' eyes and to walk in each others' shoes. It's also important for us working in FFSC and CYP to do something for our families too. The one thing the parents like about this is that the kids come back and they're very excited, and they ask questions about their military careers," said Selves.

At the end of the deployment, parents treated their children to a homecoming with balloons, flags and refreshments.

"I now know why my dad is always tired," Denise, whose father, Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Bernardo Corona, serves aboard USS Ingraham (FFG 61). "He's always busy working, and he has to take care of a lot of stuff and make sure certain things get done."

"I liked it. My favorite part was when we came back because everyone was there waving," said Ashleigh, daughter of Cmdr. Mark Rudesill, Patrol Squadron (VP) 1 commanding officer.