Creech Airmen honor their military kids

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Nadine Barclay
  • 432nd Wing /432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada --  The sacrifices made year-round by the youngest members of the Air Force family are often overshadowed by those of their parents and loved ones in support of our nation's freedoms.

In honor of the Department of Defense observance of Month of the Military Child, Creech Airmen paid tribute to these small tykes in a big way by honoring them during a "Bring Your Kid to Work Day" event on April 23, 2015.

"It's an honor to have you with us here today," said Col. James Chittenden, 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander. "We're proud to be able to show you what exactly mom and dad are doing when they are away from you. Today is our day to say thank you for letting us borrow them."

To kick off the day's event children and family members were given an introduction into the Air Force's elite remotely piloted aircraft intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission with an explanation of the wing's mission.

"It's important for us to show our future how vital the ISR mission here at Creech is," said Maj. Bishane Whitmore, 432nd Wing commander's action group officer. "We were educating them on what their parents are doing and how we keep them safe."

Airmen and their children were able to partake in free food, face painting, and a magic show sponsored by the Las Vegas USO.

"This event was fantastic," said Staff Sgt. Krizia Valenzuela, 432nd Wing executive administrator. "My kids had so much fun that they are already looking forward to next year's event."

Among the displays, were the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper, security forces vehicles and weapons display, an emergency medical and fire display, an obstacle course and even a miniature horse petting area courtesy of the Horses 4 Heroes Las Vegas chapter.

"I like coming to work with my mommy and daddy," said Avah Barclay, eight, daughter of Staff Sgt. Michael Barclay, 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "Their job is so fun and I like meeting new friends that have mommies and daddies in the Air Force too."

Established by then-Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger in 1986, the month recognizes some 1.9 million U.S. military children ranging in age from infants to 18 years old, who have one or both parents serving in the armed forces, said Barbara Thompson, the director of DOD's Office of Family Readiness Policy.

"It's not easy doing what they do as our military children but they are doing it well," said Chittenden.