AOMK gets the joint-service treatment

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Saphfire Cook
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Arizona Operation Military Kids teamed up with D-M, the Navy Reserve, the Marine Corps Reserve and the Army National Guard Drug Demand Reduction Team to host a Health and Fitness Day camp at the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve center Aug. 4.

More than 20 children attended the fitness camp, which was open to kids ages 9 to 17.

"We try to provide a sense of community to these children while they are separated from their parents," said Teresa Noon, AOMK project director.

The children met up at D-M's Youth Center and rode buses out to the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center. They participated in a variety of activities, each led by a different branch of service.

The obstacle course, meant to teach team-building, was run by sailors and marines. A
healthy habits presentation was given by the Army DDRT, and healthy eating and fitness
tips were given by Airmen from D-M.

"Being around other kids whose parents are deployed gives me support while my dad is gone," said Trenton Jones, whose father is now deployed in support of Operation New Dawn

The program provides development opportunities to military youth that foster resilience during a parent's deployment cycle.

AOMK is a University of Arizona grant-funded program partnered with 4-H Youth Development.