Deployment is a stressful moment in every military member's family. Immunizations, tax paperwork, new uniforms; there's a host of little details demanding attention that could prove troublesome later if not seen to completely at the start.

Add to that the stress of separation and its effect on a child. Kids understand mom or dad are going to work, but they might not understand why their parents aren't paying as much attention to them before they leave.

Enter Operation Dyess Kids. It's a program that recreates the process airmen face when readying for deployment overseas or for temporary duty elsewhere.

Military children are sent through a similar, albeit more fun, line. They fill out paperwork, receive a simulated vaccine, try on uniforms and share a bit of the same experience as their parents.


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