Junior Expeditionary Forces 'lands' on D-M

  • Published
  • By Clay Moore
  • 355th Force Support Squadron
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The force is coming to D-M. Junior Expeditionary Forces to be exact. Conducted last year on D-M as Operation Junior Heroes, Junior Expeditionary Forces will take place Nov. 7.

Junior Expeditionary Forces is a program which will allow children of military personnel, ages five to 17, the opportunity to go through a mock deployment experience. More specifically, children signing up for 'the force' will be placed in squads, board buses, provided backpacks, tee shirts, go through a processing line, board (and exit) a static C-130 en-route to the simulated deployment location. An excursion through Desert Lightning City, with numerous demonstrations to include military working dog demonstrations, a visit by special guests and a mock-up of an F-16 are some of the other items which will be available.

Children will ultimately return to Bama Park to a rousing welcome home.

"Last year, more than 180 kids enjoyed this wonderful opportunity" said Else Milner, Airman and Family Services Flight chief and this year's overall project officer. "So we are even more excited this year to put on this event".

A great deal of coordination is occurring to ensure the kids have fun. Heidi Meisterling, Airman and Family Readiness Center chief indicated:

"The fact that this is a multi-service event makes coordination crucial," she said. "The Marines will provide a static display of HUMVEES and Howitzers and the Air Force will provide static displays of C-130s, and helicopters. This will be loads of fun for our military children."

Each child will be given a backpack, t-shirt, and 'dog tags'. 'MREs' will also be provided to sustain the children through the activities. Children must be accompanied by their own parent and/or guardian. Transportation to each area will be provided and parents can expect the venture to last no more than three hours on a set schedule throughout the day.

Registration will start Aug. 21. Registration packets can be obtained by accessing www.dmforcesupport.com or by coming to the Airman & Family Readiness Center building 2441. Registration closes on Oct. 20. Space is limited to the first 200 sign-ups. All activities are free. Call the A&FRC at 228-5690 for more information.

To view the registration for, click here.