For many children, it’s an experience they’ve already been part of when Mom or Dad prepare for deployment -- the processing, the goodbyes, the welcomes home.

But this time they got to experience it firsthand in Operation Jr. R.A.P.T.O.R, or Real Air Patriots Training on Readiness. More than 190 youth from the child development center and youth center participated in the program Jan. 20 to 21. It was designed to give them a hands-on look at the deployment process.

Groups of children went through a “processing line” on Jan. 20. Stations included stopping for a physical exam with a stethoscope; camouflage face painting; an obstacle course; picking up a mobility bag (a small satchel of snacks); and getting their certificate of completion and dog tags.

“We wanted to give these children an idea of what their parents go through at a level they can understand,” said Joe McLeer, CDC training and curriculum specialist.

Blanca McCann, a volunteer, said the project was a basewide effort.

“We wanted to pull everyone together to get as much variety as possible so it wouldn’t be boring for the kids, to give them a taste of the deployment process but in a fun way. It also helps them get closer to their parents because they better understand what their parents go through.”

Children ages 6 to 15 met at the youth center Jan. 21. Their day began at 8:30 a.m. as they checked in with their orders, and proceeded through a mobility line, ensuring they met all appropriate requirements before their departure.

Tech. Sgt. Mark Thames, 325th Maintenance Squadron, had two children involved, Cory and Kyle.

“I told them about it and they were excited,” he said. “They wanted to do what Dad has to do. I think it’s a really good experience.”

Almost all the participants dressed for the part as well, from kiddie-size uniforms to pieces of their parent’s uniform. After their initial inprocessing, students joined their assigned groups and formed up for briefings and physical training.

Another part of their inprocessing was a voluntary station to drop a treasured personal item in a cooler, also known as a “loved one’s hotel.” The item would remain behind.

According to Mrs. McCann, that helped participants understand the feelings of separation. Inside one hotel was a faded football, a doll and a well-worn stuffed pink elephant.

When the group was called to attention for the arrival of Brig. Gen. Jack B. Egginton, the 325th Fighter Wing commander, the collective snap of their heels resonated throughout the youth center.

“This is just so neat and perfect,” General Egginton said. “We owe so much to our children. They sacrifice every bit as much as we do during deployments, and this gives us a chance to express our appreciation collectively.

“You all look great. We have real warriors in here today, and we wanted to get all of you together and say thank you,” he said.

After the general’s remarks, the 325th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handlers treated the young warriors to a demonstration.

“(The dog) looked in a suitcase for a dynamite wrapper,” Hayley Clocksin said. “I liked the dog demo. I’m having fun.”

The youth then “deployed” to Hangar 4. On site were demonstrations on chemical warfare gear and explosive ordnance disposal equipment, an F-15 Eagle static display and instructions about Meals, Ready to Eat.

Danika Plotkin enjoyed this portion of the experience.

“It’s great,” she said. “I’m learning that military people help other people who don’t have many things. So far, I think I would like to be in the Air Force. I think it would be really cool to help other people.”

The youth also toured two transient aircraft, a KC-135 Stratotanker and a C-130 Hercules, brought in specifically for the project.

The day culminated in their “homecoming” as they returned to the Youth Center that afternoon to their parents cheering and waving flags.

“It’s fun to get to see what parents go through in a deployment,” said Trent Frey. “It was heavy and exhausting putting on the chemical gear. It’s difficult but it’s about defending our country and being free.”