Kids Step into Their Mother and father’ Boots at Annual Operation KUDOS Occasion > Wright-Patterson AFB > Article Display

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio —

The Military and Family Readiness Center hosted its annual Operation KUDOS occasion on August 7, 2026, providing navy kids a singular, hands-on look into the lives and missions of their dad and mom.

Operation KUDOS, which stands for “Kids Understanding Deployment Operations,” introduced collectively kids aged 4 to 12 to work together with numerous models on base. The occasion is designed to demystify the deployment course of by interactive, age-appropriate experiences that mirror the preparation and coaching their dad and mom endure. 

Col. Donna Dominguez, 88th Medical group commander, supplied opening remarks and expressed her gratitude to the members. 

“Today, it’s our turn to say thank you for your dedication to the Air Force, for being a military kid and for serving just like your parents are,” Dominguez stated.

Throughout the day, the younger “recruits” visited interactive shows arrange by native models just like the 88th Security Forces Squadron, fireplace division, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Wright-Patt Fitness Center, and received to board a 445th Airlift Wing C-17. By experiencing a simulated model of their dad and mom’ day by day duties and deployment preparations, the youngsters gained a way of connection and pleasure of their households’ service.

“This is probably one of the best jobs in the Air Force,” stated Tech Sgt. Benjamin Duck, Military and Family Readiness Center Readiness NCOIC and occasion coordinator. “I get to help kids have fun and I get to watch my kids have fun at the same time.” 

An occasion of this scale depends closely on the collaboration of key help networks and serving to organizations throughout the set up. These businesses had been available to supply sources, steerage, and enjoyable actions to help households through the mock deployment, guaranteeing each dad and mom and youngsters felt supported. These sources included Blue Star Families, the WPAFB Chaplain Corps, Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce, household childcare and faculty packages.

As the deployment coaching concluded, the members walked away with certificates introduced by 88th Mission Support Group command workforce, Col. Dorinda Sanders and Chief Master Sgt. Michael Sierra. By bringing households and base models collectively, Operation KUDOS hopes to proceed to foster resilience, understanding, and neighborhood spirit for the set up’s youngest heroes.

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