Kids Rule NSF Arlington During 'Bring Your Child to Work Day'

By Ensign Amber Lynn Daniel, Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Naval Support Facility Arlington opened its doors to more than 25 four- to 12-year olds April 26 during the nationwide "Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day" event.

The Chief of Naval Personnel staff has hosted their annual "Bring Your Child to Work Day" for three consecutive years.

The staff joined organizations and workplaces across the nation in educating and transforming the lives of millions of young girls and boys through interactive tours and face-to-face engagement.

"The 'Bring Your Child to Work Day' program provides a unique opportunity to create an enriching educational experience for our nation's youth," stated Chief Operations Specialist Jessica Myers, one of the lead coordinators of the event. "The program is designed to be more than just another career day. Children do not simply 'shadow' an adult in the workplace; instead we expose children to the important work their parent or mentor in their life does during the work day and put it in a context they can understand."

Each year, the Chief of Naval Personnel staff creates a new, interactive environment to help young girls and boys envision the future they dream of while learning the basics of what their parents and mentors do behind the fence of Naval Support Facility Arlington.

"As children toured the facility, each representative discussed the purpose of their particular office space to the Navy and provided a brief description of the staff's job duties and educational backgrounds," said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer (SW/AW) Yulonda James.

This year's program included a tour through the uniform matters office where children were shown uniforms currently being assessed for future Navy use. They also toured the language regional expertise and culture office where they received a printed sheet with their name written in other languages. They were also treated to special handouts, coloring books, and treats during their tour around Naval Support Facility Arlington.

Many of Naval Support Facility Arlington's most senior officers were on hand to share their advice and experiences as well.

"I liked the uniforms and when Admiral Herb talked to us and told us about how they take care of Sailors in Afghanistan," said Maize Booker, age nine, son of Lt. Cmdr. DeWuan Booker. Maize's brother, Malachi, enjoyed an extra special opportunity at the end of the days' events - cupcakes in honor of his sixth birthday.

The Chief of Naval Personnel "Bring Your Child to Work" program continues to be a popular event with parents serving at Naval Support Facility Arlington, giving them the added bonus of showing their children the value of an education and career in the Navy. Each tour representative was also asked to emphasize how the role of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is used in their office space. The tour allowed students the unique opportunity to interact with Navy service members and gain insight into how education will play a significant part in their future.

"The children were laughing and were very engaged, being very inquisitive. They seemed to really enjoy the day's activities and getting to know more about what it is that their parents do for the Navy," said James.

April is the Month of the Military Child. It was established in 1986 by Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger as a way to honor military kids for their sacrifices and courage. Since its establishment, military installations, organizations and communities have created special events to pay tribute to these little military heroes. The coordinators of the Naval Support Facility Arlington made a special effort to center the day's themes on the "military child," highlighting how they each play a special role in contributing to the Navy's mission with the direct support they provide to their service member on the homefront.

"By bringing girls and boys together, we continue to create a more equitable world-at home, at school, in the workplace, and in the community," said Myers. "It is events like these that show both the kids and the Sailors the importance of the next generation and how important they are to our success."

For more information about Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day, visit http://www.daughtersandsonstowork.org/wmspage.cfmparm1=936.