Homestead ARB offers kids an interactive educational experience

  • Published
  • By Sgt. 1st Class Felix A. Figueroa
  • Special Operations Command South Public Affiars Office
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- --  Children of all ages went to work with their parents stationed here during "Bring Your Child to Work Day" on April 22. For some service members this was an opportunity to have their children get a firsthand look at what they do, and for others, it was a chance for children to understand why their parents serve in the military and federal law enforcement.

"It's my responsibility to ensure that my daughter has a clear understanding of what I do and the many aspects involved in day-to-day military operations," said U.S. Navy Lieutenant Queron Thompson, an operations officer with Special Operations Command South.

Thompson believes that childhood memories have a definite impact on our lives and said he just wants to provide a positive experience for his children.

During the visit, service members assigned to the 482nd Fighter Wing, Special Operations Command South, U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team, and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Branch provided a tour of the base, explained the inner workings of various weapons and equipment systems and allowed hands on interactions with military equipment.

"I think I'm going to join the military when I grow up," said 9-year-old Edwin Figueroa, Homestead, Florida. "I like the idea of testing out cool equipment and travelling all over the world doing fun stuff."

Much like Edwin, many of the children here today perceived the military to be strictly tactical as often portrayed in video games and movies before their visit.

This was a meaningful opportunity to show the kid's a lighter and technical side of the armed forces, said Gerald "Jerry" Havens, SOCSOUTH relocation program manager and coordinator for this event.

"I wanted to make sure these kids had fun today!" Havens said.

"We had camouflage face painting and even rigged the kids up in a parachute harness to give them a feeling of what it's like to wear this stuff. The reward for me is seeing their faces light up," added Havens.

Almost 100 children also got to see an F-16 fighter jet, and toured fellow units on base to include the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Branch. Then, families were treated to a complimentary lunch provided by the American Red Cross.

Opportunities like these are just one of many ways organizations on Homestead Air Reserve Base interact with the local community. Aside from hosting events such as "Bring Your Child to Work Day," SOCSOUTH supports their region by assisting nations on improving their ability to secure their borders and enhance their infrastructure, while fostering professionalism and respect for human rights. The reservists from the 482nd Fighter Wing continually deploy in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, which underscores the reason why connecting families with military life is so important.