The 445th Airlift Wing participated in the annual Operation KUDOS Aug. 7 held by the 88th Air Base Wing Military and Family Readiness Center.
The event, which stands for Kids Understanding Deployment Operations, offers military children aged 4 to 12 a unique, hands-on look into the lives and missions of their parents through interaction with various units and equipment on base, including a 445th AW C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
It is designed to demystify the deployment process through interactive, age-appropriate experiences that mirror the preparation and training their parents undergo.
“The 445th AW provided a critical component to Op KUDOS,” said Tech Sgt. Benjamin Duck, 88th M&FRC Readiness NCOIC and event coordinator. “Without the 445th, it would be extremely difficult to showcase and explain the deployment process and transportation aspect of the U.S. Air Force. Additionally, it was great for the Total Force to be represented – a true representation of how everyone works together to accomplish the mission.”
Col. Deana Dominguez, 88th Medical Group commander, expressed her gratitude to the participants during opening remarks.
“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 said.
Throughout the day, the young “recruits” visited interactive displays set up by local units like the 88th Security Forces Squadron, fire department, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Wright-Patt Fitness Center, and 445th Airmen with the 89th Airlift and 445th Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons.
“The kids were shown the cargo compartment; we explained how the aircraft works; and they were encouraged to visit the flight deck so they could sit in the pilot seats and see the cockpit,” said 1st Lt. Austin Schutte, 89th AS pilot. “It was a big highlight for most of them. Watching the kids light up when they stepped onto the C-17 and got to sit in the cockpit and seeing their genuine curiosity and excitement made it clear the event was helping them understand a little more about what their parents do. That interaction was the best part.”
The children’s joy was evident by all.
“The C-17 was an absolute hit with the participants,” Duck explained. “Wright-Patterson military children absolutely loved being able to explore a military aircraft and learn about the plane they see flying over their own homes.”
An event of this scale relies heavily on the collaboration of key support networks and helping organizations across the installation. These agencies were on hand to provide resources, guidance, and fun activities to assist families during the mock deployment, ensuring both parents and children felt supported. These resources included Blue Star Families, the WPAFB Chaplain Corps, Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce, family childcare and school programs.
“The 445th AW is a crucial part of Operation KUDOS,” Duck said. “Not only was the C-17 pivotal to the event, but the invite is also always open for 445th personnel to join 88th M&FRC events. It’s always a joy working with the 445th AW, and specifically, the 445th AW M&FRC.”
As the deployment training concluded, the participants walked away with certificates presented by 88th Mission Support Group command team, Col. Dorinda Sanders and Chief Master Sgt. Michael Sierra. By bringing families and units together, the event hopes to continue fostering resilience, understanding and community for the base’s youngest heroes.
“It was an honor to support Operation KUDOS,” Schutte exclaimed. “Programs like this give military kids a safe, hands-on way to understand deployments and see the aircraft and people their parents work with. Representing the 89th AS, and showing the kids the C-17, was a great reminder of why community engagement matters.”
(Alyssa Janeway, 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs, contributed to this article)