Hill Air Force Base holds KUDOS mock deployment for 469 children

An event staff member at Hill Air Force Base described a KUDOS (Kids Understanding Deployment Operation) event that gave children a mock deployment experience, including a deployment brief, a swearing-in ceremony, a walk down a deployment line and a first responder showcase.

"And we are in our kudos event, kids understanding deployment operation. We are celebrating the children of Hill Air Force Base by incorporating them into a mock deployment operation. They get to get a deployment brief, do a swearing in ceremony, and then they get to walk the deployment line. After they've walked the deployment line, they get to go into the first responder showcase," the event staff member said.

The staff member said 469 children attended and that "94% of them are military affiliated," and added the program aims to help children understand what a real-world deployment might look like so they can better adjust if a family member is called to active duty. A child participant described aspects of the demonstrations: "My favorite part here is probably watching somebody get tased. Mommy! I learned that different calls to the dog makes her do different things."

Event activities described in the transcript included an information brief, a ceremonial swearing-in, walking the deployment line and visits to displays by first responders. Organizers framed the event as preparation and support for military families, noting that at any moment a family member could receive a deployment call and that familiarizing children with the process may ease that transition.

The meeting transcript does not include a date for the event beyond the audio timestamps, nor does it name individual organizers, military units or partnering agencies. The transcript also records children's reactions to demonstrations and hands-on exhibits in the first responder area.