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179th Airlift Wing Members bring their Kids to Work

  • Published
  • By TSgt Joe Harwood
  • 179AW Public Affairs
Mansfield, Ohio --  The 179th Airlift Wing decided to take part in their first organized Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work day, supported by the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation, Mansfield, OH, April 24, 2014. As part of the national program, children attended a day at work with their parents to get a glimpse of what mom or dad does in the military. As a child of a military member, this is an exciting day. The United States Air Force has a variety of individual jobs or Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC). On the 179th Airlift Wing, each AFSC is part of a greater mission and so it is best shown in sections, giving the children the chance to see how each job plays a part.

Col Gary McCue, 179th Airlift Wing Commander, fully supported the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work day by bringing his own three daughters to work. All military members were encouraged to spend the day enjoying events throughout the base with their children, helping to promote camaraderie and build morale. Col McCue gave his daughters a taste of what it's like to be commander for the day by having them perform live interviews with WMFD - TV and Richland Source. "Military children have a unique aspect on what their parents do at work and today it's our intention to not only show them what specific jobs their parents do but demonstrate what the 179th Airlift Wing is all about and how it takes all jobs and everyone to ensure the mission is a success."

The airmen of the 179th Airlift Wing provided stations for the children to rotate through, each offering a unique opportunity. The children, accompanied by their parent, were able to get their hands on Security Forces weapons, with an emphasis on safety and familiarity in favor of fear and isolation of firearms. The aircrew offered a tour of the C-130H Hercules, seating them in the cargo net seats and giving a simulation of what paratroopers do when preparing for a jump. The Disaster Response Force team allowed them to try on chemical warfare protective suits and proved the importance of teamwork when the suits need to be donned quickly. The children had a great time cooperating together to hold down a fire hose and shoot down safety cones with the water while others climbed in and out of fire trucks with the 179th Fire Department. The Honor Guard gave a demonstration on proper flag etiquette and hands on training of folding the flag. The Medical Group allowed the children to poke and prod METI-Man, a high tech training mannequin used to simulate medical procedures on an adult human. 179th Operations Group Airmen Equipment Flight offered hands on night vision and the chance to try on some pilot gear. The 200th REDHORSE set up a display of some of their heavy bulldozing equipment, giving them a chance to sit in the operator's seat and a tent city to show what living conditions are like while deployed to war like areas. The day ended with Family Programs and Force Support Squadron hosting a pizza party for all.

Josh and Jacob Atwell, sons of Master Sgt. Wendy Atwell from Force Support Squadron said "The best part of the day was eating pizza and holding the guns." They learned that you should never point a gun at someone, as Master Sgt. Atwell nodded in agreement. Josh also said he was very impressed on how the night vision gear worked. Both boys agreed that it was a great day and they would be excited to come back.

Lt. Col Amy Whitehead, who organized the event, is the executive officer for the 179th Airlift Wing, said, "There's been lots of positive feedback from the children and parents and this is an event that we hope to continue every year. Parents can look forward to a great learning experience and this event will only get bigger and involve more sections on base with each year. This is just another way to show and thank our families for their continued support to the 179th Airlift Wing."

The 179th Airlift Wing and 200th REDHORSE Det. 1 teamed up to give the kids an experience many of them will never forget, some quality time with their parent and insight into what it is that they do as a member of the Ohio Air National Guard.

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