Youth deployment line promises to be fun

  • Published
  • By 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office staff
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Children have many issues to deal with when a parent is deployed. They have to learn how to cope with changes in their family relationships and responsibilities as well as the stress of a loved one being away from their family for an extended period of time.
 
The Be Our Guest program provides special activities and discounts on services for families involved in 30 day or more deployments. 

The Youth Program Center will be hosting one such activity Aug. 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. when youth can experience a "deployment processing line" in a fun way. 

"Last year, we had 280 participants," said Staci Corder, 341st Force Support Squadron marketing director. "This year, we hope for an even larger turn out." 

While the event is geared toward helping deployed family members understand what their loved one went through prior to departing, all youth eligible to use the facility are invited to attend. Pre-register at the Youth Center Monday through Friday between noon and 5 p.m. or the day of the event. 

Pictures will be taken of each participant to place on their passport to fun. The passport entitles the child to get a stamp at each station and have a keepsake of the event. 

Stations include:
 Finance - children will participate in a money grab
 MRE tasting - children will same meals ready to eat
 Chaplain - children will be given prayer books
 Immunizations - free giveaways will take place
 Transportation - free mini vehicle giveaways
 Security Forces - children will get their faces painted 

Other events planned include getting dog tags, doing craft projects and the library will hold a book and DVD giveaway. Right in the middle of it all, a free barbecue is also planned. 

For those youth who are not registered in the BOG program, a copy of the deployed members' orders needs to be presented at registration. For more information on the BOG program or to register, visit www.341services.com. For more information on the deployment line event, call 731-4634.