Goodfellow deploys Operation K.I.D.S. Published Oct. 6, 2015 By Airman Caelynn Ferguson 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Operation Kids Investigating Deployment Services children went on a free simulated deployment to instill a better understanding of service members’ experiences on base Oct. 3.Over 60 children from ages 5 to 14 reported to the Vance Deployment Center at the crack of dawn and initiated their training. “It was more than just jumping in a bunch of bouncy houses,” said Tech. Sgt. Kristina V. Davis, 17th Force Support Squadron outbound student assignment NCO in charge, “it was interactive, a little bit more real.”Goodfellow’s little troops went through a pre-deployment line to receive their own free supplies: paper Common Access Cards, dog tags, canteens, camouflage wear and candy rations. “I love seeing the kids come out,” said Army Staff Sgt. Isaac G. Nagel, 344th MI BN combat course cadre, “I love answering their questions and watching them see what mommy and daddy go through.”The children went through combat training and room-clearing procedures at the 17th Security Forces Squadron. With camo-painted faces, a Humvee escorted them to their next training station.The 344th Military Intelligence Army Battalion gave the children Meals, Ready to Eat for lunch and also simulated caring for the children’s wounds by putting costume makeup wounds on their arms and cheeks. The children climbed inside a Humvee, learned how to throw training grenades and shot paintball guns. Once their deployment training was over and the children ate their MREs, they moved on to their main mission: saving the Marines. “They’re given a mission brief about how the Marines are pinned down,” said Tech. Sgt. Nathanael L. Meagher, 17th FSS Airmen Family and Readiness Center readiness NCO. “The kids have to clear out buildings and take the weapons away from terrorists.”At the end of their mission, the children went back home to be applauded by parents and volunteers and Col. Michael L. Downs, 17th Training Wing Commander, who awarded them with a certificate of completion. “It’s the best thing we do all year,” said Nagel.
